Driving IT TSA exit success: Navigating a complex IT M&A process

The Challenge

In a landscape defined by rapid industry consolidation and evolving market conditions, strategic acquisitions have become essential to maintaining competitive advantage. Following the client’s acquisition of the target company from the divesting entity, they faced a stringent deadline to exit the inherited IT TSAs. The task’s complexity – compounded by limited preparation time and a highly intricate technical environment – demanded a partner who could navigate these challenges. Serving as strategic advisors, we leveraged our IT M&A and IT TSA capabilities to enable the client to hit the ground running from the outset. 

 The client needed to rapidly scale their internal capabilities and establish a robust delivery framework to manage a wide range of TSA exits. Delayed regulatory approvals had condensed their preparation time, increasing the complexity of engaging a Systems Integrator and standing up a cohesive delivery team. Compounded by limited initial discovery and a global IT footprint, the client faced a high degree of uncertainty, risk and operational interdependency. Drawing on our previous M&A experience, we developed a flexible, structured and risk-aware roadmap to guide the client through these complexities effectively. 

The Approach

We embedded ourselves at the core of the client’s transition program, supporting them from the earliest stages through to execution. Acting as a strategic advisor to their senior IT leadership, we established a structured program management and governance approach that aligned all stakeholders, including the client, the acquired company and the divesting entity. This collaborative environment ensured timely decision-making and robust risk mitigation. 

Our key actions included: 

– Developing a comprehensive execution plan that mapped critical dependencies and set clear strategies for TSA exits 

– Introducing program governance structures to streamline execution and effectively manage interdependencies and risks 

– Mobilising a dedicated IT procurement workstream, leveraging our expertise in complex outsourcing arrangements to secure a Systems Integrator at the right time 

– Initiating a targeted IT discovery workstream to gain insights into the underlying technology landscape, allowing for more refined, de-risked TSA exit plans 

The Impact

Even at this early stage, our partnership has delivered tangible results. We rapidly scaled the delivery team, ensuring the client had the right capabilities from day one. By securing a Systems Integrator early and refining the approach through ongoing discovery, we set a strong foundation for accelerated execution. In addition, we successfully terminated a meaningful portion of TSAs ahead of schedule, demonstrating immediate progress and instilling confidence in the client’s strategy. 

Beyond these quantifiable outcomes, the insights gained and the governance frameworks we established have empowered the client to make informed decisions and maintain operational continuity. This approach has not only positioned them for ongoing success but also set a new standard for how the organisation approaches similar M&A initiatives in the future. 

At Elixirr, we bring an end-to-end perspective to IT M&A and IT TSA challenges—helping clients achieve tangible results, mitigate risks and navigate complex transitions confidently.