Challenges in Mergers and Acquisitions in Software Companies: The Need for Project Solutions Cover Image

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Challenges in Mergers and Acquisitions in Software Companies: The Need for Project Solutions

Author(s): Denitsa Aleksandrova-Salim
Subject(s): Social Sciences, Economy, Business Economy / Management, Sociology, Management and complex organizations, ICT Information and Communications Technologies
Published by: Университет за национално и световно стопанство (УНСС)
Keywords: Mergers and Acquisitions; cultural integration; technological compatibility; change management; project solutions

Summary/Abstract: The effective implementation and sustainable maintenance of organizational change represent a significant challenge for contemporary management, particularly within the context of a globalized and dynamic business environment (Hodges & Gill, 2015). Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are regarded as strategic mechanisms for initiating largescale transformations, often triggering ripple effects across respective economic sectors. It has been empirically established that acquisitions offer a significantly faster route to market expansion compared to the organic development of new structures. In this context, the speed of adaptation and market positioning is a critical success factor, especially in the new economy characterized by rapid innovation and technological advancement. Despite their strategic advantages, M&A processes entail numerous challenges that can severely hinder the realization of expected synergies. In the software industry, mergers and acquisitions play a pivotal role in driving growth through market share expansion, access to innovative technologies, and enhanced competitiveness. However, the high failure rate of M&A transactions highlights the complexity of integration processes, particularly regarding cultural compatibility, technological integration, and the retention of key personnel. The failure of many M&A initiatives is often attributed to inadequate integration planning and a lack of effective management practices. This underscores the need for targeted project strategies capable of addressing process complexities and facilitating sustainable organizational unification. In this regard, the successful management of M&A activities requires an integrated approach encompassing both strategic and operational transformation dimensions. The aim of the present study is to identify and analyze the key challenges associated with mergers and acquisitions in the software sector, with a specific focus on cultural integration, technological compatibility, retention of key employees, and the financial aspects of the process. To achieve this objective, an empirical survey was conducted among representatives of companies of varying sizes. The results reveal that cultural differences (65%) and difficulties in system integration (55%) are the most significant obstacles to successful M&A implementation. At the same time, the application of project based approaches is perceived as an effective tool for improving the management of merger and acquisition processes.

  • Issue Year: 2025
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 16-28
  • Page Count: 13
  • Language: Bulgarian
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