Why so many M&A deals miss the mark  

Despite the promise of scale, synergy and market expansion, the failure rate of an M&A deal falls in the range of 70-90%^*, and many deals fail to deliver on their value targets. Why? Because organisations chase deals, the hard numbers are prioritised and the people part is left behind.  

In this video series, Elixirr Partners Dieter Halfar, Shideh Sedgh Bina and Tej Patel explore how leading banks deliver on M&A and why culture is the critical, often-ignored factor in M&A. 

What’s powering banking M&A? 

As disruption reshapes the banking industry, M&A has emerged as a critical lever for long-term strategy, not just a tool for growth. This conversation explores why consolidation is rising to the top of the agenda and what’s really driving the shift. 

wistia-player[media-id=’bg0g2ex6bj’]:not(:defined) { background: center / contain no-repeat url(‘https://fast.wistia.com/embed/medias/bg0g2ex6bj/swatch’); display: block; filter: blur(5px); padding-top:56.25%; }

M&A isn’t just about size or scale, it’s about shaping the future with purpose. Whether it’s unlocking efficiencies, accessing new markets, or driving innovation through tech, success comes down to discipline, clarity and flawless execution. Staying focused on your strategy and understanding the complexity beneath the surface is what sets winning deals apart. 

Culture: The overlooked dealbreaker  

When two organisations come together, it’s not just about financials or operations, it’s about people. And people don’t merge on spreadsheets. Misaligned compensation structures, clashing leadership styles and diverging values often spark talent exodus, eroding value before it’s ever realised. Culture, far from a buzzword, becomes the make-or-break.  

Cultural risk isn’t a post-deal problem. It starts with diligence.  

wistia-player[media-id=’b4lkz1gujv’]:not(:defined) { background: center / contain no-repeat url(‘https://fast.wistia.com/embed/medias/b4lkz1gujv/swatch’); display: block; filter: blur(5px); padding-top:56.25%; }

Don’t absorb, rebuild  

Too often, one entity is expected to absorb the other. That’s a fast track to failure. The real opportunity? Co-creating a new cultural blueprint. One that reflects the strengths of both organisations. This means involving formal and informal leaders to design, own and embed a culture that supports the strategic intent of the merger.  

We work with leaders navigating complex decisions, offering clarity and challenge where it matters most.