M&A Integration & Carveouts: Accelerating Transitions, Reducing Risk
Mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures create unique challenges for IT environments — from disentangling deeply embedded systems to rapidly aligning infrastructure, data, and operations under new ownership. Cuneiform’s M&A Integration & Carveouts services help organizations navigate these transitions with precision, minimizing disruption while enabling long-term value capture.
Why IT Integration & Carveouts Matter
IT is often the backbone of operational continuity in any M&A transaction. Yet studies show that poor IT planning and execution remain among the top reasons deals fail to deliver value.
According to McKinsey, more than 50% of anticipated synergies in M&A are tied directly to IT, yet IT is frequently overlooked during due diligence and integration planning. They found that 42% of due diligence efforts fail to provide a clear roadmap for value capture, often due to underestimating IT complexity.
Deloitte reinforces this finding, reporting that over 70% of companies encounter unexpected post-close costs resulting from incomplete IT due diligence — particularly around legacy system dependencies, cybersecurity gaps, and underestimated integration timelines.
Without a clear strategy, companies risk delayed Day 1 readiness, ballooning costs, operational disruptions, and lost strategic momentum.
Cuneiform’s Approach
IT Due Diligence
We perform comprehensive assessments of infrastructure, business systems (e.g., ERP), application portfolios, data architecture, and cybersecurity posture — identifying risks and separation challenges early in the deal lifecycle.
Integration Strategy & Roadmap
For acquisitions, we design structured IT integration plans aligned to business priorities, delivering speed, stability, and value without overcomplicating execution.
Carveout Design & Execution
For divestitures, we create secure, independent IT environments, separating systems and data with minimal disruption while ensuring compliance and continuity.
Data & Reporting Strategy
We evaluate if ERP consolidation is necessary — or if a centralized reporting layer can provide post-close visibility via data integration and BI tools, reducing cost and complexity.
Application Rationalization
We identify redundant systems and overlapping tools across the combined entity, eliminating waste and streamlining the post-merger technology stack.
Change Management & Communication
We align stakeholders across IT, operations, and leadership through clear governance, training plans, and targeted communications — ensuring teams are ready on Day 1 and beyond.
Post-Transaction Optimization
We support performance tuning and system evolution after close, helping IT environments scale to meet new strategic objectives.
Why Cuneiform
Execution-Oriented
We don’t just plan; we deliver and de-risk the transition.
ERP & Systems Expertise
Skilled in complex business system environments, including carveouts and data strategies.
Flexible Delivery
Full separation, hybrid models, or centralized data visibility—we tailor to your deal structure and business goals.
Cross-Functional Perspective
We bridge the gap between IT, business, and finance during transitional events.
Risk-Minded
Proven frameworks minimize disruption and protect business continuity.
Who We Help
Make IT a Value Driver — Not a Roadblock
Cuneiform helps organizations navigate M&A transitions with confidence. Whether you’re integrating enterprise platforms, carving out ERP environments, or exploring data-first reporting approaches, we bring the experience and structure to accelerate value and reduce risk.
Let’s talk about your transition goals — and how we can help you get there.
