Abstract:

This paper argues that the role of information systems (IS) in corporate mergers and acquisitions (M&As) is comprehensive and this far not fully understood. In support for these arguments an integrative model for the M&A research is analyzed from an IS perspective. Research contributions that are relevant for understanding the role of IS are discussed and their impact on M&A are illustrated with examples from the Trelleborg industry group and its M&A operations. The analysis shows that existing research on IS and related phenomena covers many situations encountered in M&A, but a number of issues remains unexplored by the research society. Based on the analysis, it is argued that more research on the IS integration processes and their management with focus on the impact on an organizational level is particularly important in order to advance the understanding of the role of IS and IS integration in M&A.