Case Study: M&A – Strengthening Vertical Integration in a Global Logistics Company

Challenge

A global logistics company acquired a niche technology startup to strengthen vertical integration. Their strategy focused on accelerating growth through owning and resolving supply chain bottlenecks while improving customer offerings. Both the acquired talent and technology were critical to unlocking synergies and realizing the full value of the deal.

Partnership Approach

Working closely with the executive team, we scoped the integration project to maximize desired synergies and co-created a structured plan to deliver on their strategy. Through a collaborative approach, we established priorities with senior leadership and aligned key stakeholders on capability needs and design trade-offs, enabling the client to move with clarity and speed.

Over the core 8-week period, we focused on three areas, and established specific checkpoints afterward to support implementation and ensure sustainable progress:

• Guiding a cross-functional team to develop a robust integration roadmap for the acquired talent.

• Integrating the acquired technology and redesigning the operating model with both existing and acquired leadership teams.

• Supporting leaders to communicate an inspiring, clear message to the broader organization, encouraging a welcoming stance and minimizing resistance.

Impact

Close collaboration with leadership and stakeholders established trusted communication channels and shared understanding of priorities. Alignment on design choices supported a successful operating model revamp that reflected the company’s strategic intent. The organization is now vertically integrated, equipped to manage peak volumes, and positioned to expand services to its growing customer base.