Mergers and acquisitions create immediate opportunities to realize network synergies, but also present complex challenges:
Overlapping service areas between companies. Redundant facilities in same geographic regions. Opportunity to reduce total network costs. Service levels can be maintained or improved. Similar product types and customer requirements. Significant cost savings potential from consolidation.
Distinct customer bases with different requirements. Different product types requiring specialized handling. Regulatory or compliance requirements. Geographic markets don't overlap. Integration would reduce service levels significantly. Cultural or operational differences too significant.
Using network design optimization, we evaluated integration scenarios:
| DC Location | Source | Action | New Capacity | Service Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston, MA | Company A | Expand | 120% | Northeast, New England |
| Chicago, IL | Company A | Expand (absorb Detroit, Cleveland) | 140% | Midwest, Great Lakes, Ohio Valley |
| Atlanta, GA | Company B | Expand (absorb Charlotte) | 130% | Southeast, Carolinas |
| Dallas, TX | Company B | Expand (absorb Memphis) | 125% | Southwest, South Central |
| Philadelphia, PA | Company A | Maintain | 100% | Mid-Atlantic |
| Detroit, MI | Company A | CLOSE | — | Covered by Chicago |
| Cleveland, OH | Company A | CLOSE | — | Covered by Chicago |
| Memphis, TN | Company B | CLOSE | — | Covered by Dallas |
| Charlotte, NC | Company B | CLOSE | — | Covered by Atlanta |
| Company | Revenue | Facilities | Markets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acquirer (Company A) | $180M | 5 DCs | Northeast, Midwest |
| Target (Company B) | $120M | 4 DCs | Southeast, Southwest |
| Combined | $300M | 9 DCs | Nationwide |
| Company | DC Location | Annual Cost | Utilization | Service Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company A | Boston, MA | $2.2M | 80% | Northeast |
| Philadelphia, PA | $1.9M | 75% | Mid-Atlantic | |
| Chicago, IL | $2.0M | 85% | Midwest | |
| Detroit, MI | $1.5M | 70% | Great Lakes | |
| Cleveland, OH | $1.4M | 65% | Ohio Valley | |
| Company B | Atlanta, GA | $1.8M | 82% | Southeast |
| Dallas, TX | $1.7M | 78% | Southwest | |
| Memphis, TN | $1.3M | 60% | South Central | |
| Charlotte, NC | $1.2M | 55% | Carolinas |
Quickly identify integration opportunities and quantify synergies. Model merged networks, compare costs, and validate service levels to make informed post-M&A decisions.
Map showing both companies' networks overlaid. Instantly identify overlapping service areas, redundant facilities, and integration opportunities.
Optimized integrated network showing which facilities to keep, consolidate, or close. See cost savings and service level preservation in one view.
Detailed breakdown of cost savings: facility consolidation, route optimization, inventory reduction, and management overhead reduction. Quantify total synergy value.
Phased integration plan showing which facilities to consolidate first, timeline for transitions, and service level validation at each step.
Complete network optimization analysis. Develop integration plan and timeline. Align service level requirements. Plan systems integration. Secure stakeholder approval.
Integrate IT systems and processes. Standardize operating procedures. Train teams on unified processes. Establish unified service standards.
Expand facilities that will absorb closed locations. Upgrade systems and equipment. Increase capacity to handle combined volume.
Gradually shift volume from closing facilities. Update customer service assignments. Transfer inventory and equipment. Reassign staff (transfers, severance).
Close 4 redundant facilities. Complete final inventory transfers. Optimize transportation routes. Fine-tune operations.