TRX Industrial’s Acquisition of Wilson Technology and Merger Integration

Abstract

In 2020 TRX Industrial (TRX) was close to finalizing its acquisition of Wilson Technology Group (Wiltec). Brad Hunter, TRX Chief Operating Officer and head of the acquisition integration steering committee, was planning for a one-day team session to examine the post-merger structure for TRX and Wiltec. One of Hunter’s objectives for the session was a decision about how much organizational autonomy, if any, would be retained by Wiltec. Hunter saw various options for Wiltec that ran along a spectrum. Wiltec could retain its independence and continue to operate much as it had before the acquisition. At the other end of the spectrum was absorption – Wiltec would be folded into TRX culture and operating processes and give up its autonomy. Wiltec and TRX could also seek to take the best of both firms in terms of culture, processes, and people and create something new.

Teaching

The case is designed to address various questions about merger integration. Once an acquisition is completed, the acquirer must decide on how to integrate the acquired company. This case deals with integration from the perspective of the post-merger (or post-acquisition) end state. TRX, the acquirer, must decide on the degree of autonomy that Wiltec, the acquired firm, will maintain once the deal is done. Learning objectives are:
1. To discuss merger integration challenges
2. To understand the concept of post-merger end state
3. To examine the challenge when the acquirer and acquired firm have different cultures

Case number:

A08-20-0014

Case Series Author(s):

Andrew C. Inkpen

Subject:

General Management

Year:

2020

Setting:

USA

Length:

5 pages

Source:

General Experience

TRX Industrial’s Acquisition of Wilson Technology and Merger Integration

Degrees

Executive Education

Lifelong Learning

Employers and Partners

Alumni