Board Perspectives on Adding Value in M&A

For a company considering an exit, there may be no more material decision for a board than whether to accept a change of control offer or not. Meanwhile, for the prospective acquiror, mergers and acquisitions can be a powerful catalyst for strategic growth—but they can just as easily destroy value. While management leads execution, the board plays a pivotal role in helping shape M&A strategy, overseeing disciplined processes, and ensuring the organization is prepared for both transaction and integration. Yet research indicates that most deals fail to deliver value for the acquiror. How can boards tilt the odds toward successful outcomes?

In this ICD online panel, experienced directors will share practical perspectives on:

• How boards can add value across the M&A lifecycle—from strategy formulation to post-close integration.

• How the board’s oversight role differs when buying vs. selling, and in public vs. private company contexts.

• Lessons learned from real-world acquisition, merger, and divestiture situations.

• Stakeholder considerations, including shareholders, employees, regulators, and communities.

• Why culture often determines whether post-merger integration succeeds—and what boards can do about it.

Join a panel of seasoned directors with experience overseeing notable recent or in-flight transactions as they share board-specific takeaways on this high-stakes topic.