Public Relations

Communication Strategy for Mergers

Mergers and acquisitions create uncertainty for employees, customers and investors. This course covers communication across the deal lifecycle: confidentiality, announcement planning, stakeholder messaging, employee communication, customer and supplier communication, integration communication and culture.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Poor merger communication drives away talent and customers. You will learn to communicate change clearly at every stage.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Deal lifecycle planning, announcement day simulations, Q&A drafting and case studies.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Plan communication across the deal lifecycle
Manage confidentiality and leaks
Prepare announcement day materials
Communicate with employees through uncertainty
Communicate with customers, suppliers and investors
Support integration and culture communication

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Corporate communication directors
Internal communication managers
Investor relations staff
HR leaders
Integration managers

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Deal communication planning
Confidentiality
Announcement planning
Employee communication
Integration communication

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Mergers and Communication

09:00–10:08Deal lifecycle
10:08–11:00Risks
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Risks (continued)
11:45–12:53Case studies
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Confidentiality

09:00–10:08Insider rules
10:08–11:00Leak planning
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Leak planning (continued)
11:45–12:53Holding statements
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Announcement

09:00–10:08Announcement materials
10:08–11:00Sequencing
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Sequencing (continued)
11:45–12:53Q&A
12:53–14:00Simulation

Day 4Stakeholders

09:00–10:08Employees
10:08–11:00Customers and suppliers
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Customers and suppliers (continued)
11:45–12:53Investors
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 5Integration

09:00–10:08Integration communication
10:08–11:00Culture
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Culture (continued)
11:45–12:53Measurement
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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