Analysis of Success Factors of Mergers and Acquisitions in the Automotive Industry

Abstract

The bachelor thesis deals with success factors of M&A in the automotive industry. The purpose of study is to identify the critical determinants for each step of the transactional process that decide whether a deal will succeed or fail. The reason for this work is the high number of failed M&A in this industry segment. The goal of the thesis is to summarize the results in a checklist that can be used for the planning of actual transactions in the automotive industry. The research question is investigated on the basis of current literature, specific online content, relevant studies as well as practical examples.

The analysis showed that there are specific success factors for each stage of the transaction. With regards to the pre-merger stage, these are in particular an ex-tensive planning and preparation as well as the underlying strategy. During the execution of the transaction, the success is dependent on the selection of target and an extensive due diligence. The most important and most extensive success factors are located in the integration phase. In the context of the automotive in-dustry these are the communication, the realization of synergy effects as well as the successful cultural integration.