Services
Challenges in M&A Contexts for Global Functions

M&A activities place immense pressure on IT organizations to act swiftly, securely, and strategically. Key challenges include:

Information Technology (IT)

  • Due Diligence Under NDA: CIOs often face short-notice requests for assessments with limited visibility and confidentiality constraints.
  • Complex Landscape Analysis: Cybersecurity, cloud, telecom, digital workplace, and business systems must be evaluated for compatibility and risk.
  • Day 1 & TSA Readiness:Ensuring operational continuity post-close and managing transitional service agreements (TSAs) within budget and timeline.
  • Cross-Functional Coordination: IT must align with Finance, HR, Legal, and external stakeholders (PE firms, consultants).
  • Transformation Planning:Integration or carve-out roadmaps must be sequenced and budgeted with precision.

Procurement

Procurement functions are often overlooked in M&A planning, yet they hold strategic levers for value creation and risk mitigation:

  • Spend Visibility & Category Mapping: Lack of harmonized data across entities impedes synergy identification.
  • Supplier Risk & Continuity: Contracts, compliance, and supplier relationships may be disrupted or duplicated.
  • Make-or-Buy Strategy:Decisions must be revisited based on new scale, capabilities, and strategic priorities.
  • Tail Spend & Spot Buying: Unmanaged spend increases post-deal complexity and compliance risks.
  • Ethical & Sustainable Sourcing: ESG alignment becomes critical in post-merger brand reputation.

    • Global Business Services (GBS) / Shared Services

    GBS functions are central to operational integration but face structural and cultural hurdles:

  • Location Strategy & Scalability:Optimizing footprint across onshore, nearshore, and offshore centers.
  • Hybrid Operating Models:Balancing centralization with local responsiveness.
  • End-to-End Process Ownership:Eliminating silos and enforcing accountability across functions.
  • Workforce Adaptation: Upskilling, retention, and cultural integration of teams.
  • Customer Centricity & Experience: Delivering seamless service across geographies and functions.
  • Sustainability & Trust: Aligning with ethical standards and stakeholder expectations.

    • Services
    EarthTone Advisors – Service Offerings for M&A Support

    EarthTone brings a unique blend of strategic insight, operational experience, and human-centered transformation to support M&A activities across global functions.

    IT M&A Services

    • Due Diligence & Risk Mapping (Cybersecurity, Cloud, Systems)
    • TSA Definition & Exit Planning
    • Integration/Carve-Out Roadmap Design
    • IT Governance & PMO Setup
    • Cross-functional Coordination & Stakeholder Alignment

    Procurement M&A Services

    • Spend Analysis & Synergy Identification
    • Supplier Risk Assessment & Continuity Planning
    • Contract Harmonization & Compliance Review
    • Make-or-Buy Strategy Advisory
    • Spot Buy & Tail Spend Optimization
    • ESG & Sustainable Sourcing Alignment

    GBS / Shared Services M&A Services

    • Location Strategy & Hybrid Model Design.
    • End-to-End Process Mapping & Ownership Framework
    • Workforce Transition & Change Management
    • Service Delivery Model Optimization
    • Customer Experience & SLA Redesign
    • Sustainability & Trust Building

    EarthTone’s Added Value

  • Real-World Leadership:Our advisors have led transformations as CIOs, CPOs, and GBS VPs in global organizations.
  • Cross-Functional Fluency: We understand the interdependencies between IT, Procurement, and Shared Services.
  • Confidential & Agile:We operate under NDA with discretion and speed, adapting to deal timelines.
  • Cultural Intelligence: With presence in Asia and Europe, we tailor solutions to local realities and global ambitions.
  • Outcome-Driven: We focus on measurable impact—cost savings, risk mitigation, and operational continuity.