PMI - Workshop

Creating Value Through Post-Merger Integration

The frameworks, governance, and operating models behind successful PMI

M&A transactions are often supported by sophisticated strategy, due diligence, governance, and execution processes.

Yet the decisive work often begins after closing.

This is where companies must align organizations, protect business performance, realize synergies, and translate the investment case into measurable results.

When PMI is treated as a downstream project rather than a strategic capability, value can be delayed, diluted, or lost.

This workshop explores how PMI can evolve from a one-off project into a repeatable strategic capability.

If you’re asking one of these questions, this workshop is for you:

How can we make PMI more consistent across transactions?
How should integration governance and decision rights be structured?
Which activities can be prepared between signing and closing?
How do we protect value while integrating organizations and operating models?
How can synergies and the equity case be translated into accountable execution?

By attending the workshop, you’ll gain:

A clearer view of the role PMI plays in sustainable M&A value creation
Practical perspectives on frameworks, operating models, and governance
Insights into how companies make integration more professional and repeatable
Guidance on legal and employment-law considerations before and after closing
An opportunity to compare approaches with peers from the corporate and M&A community
A space to explore PMI topics that deserve deeper discussion

Register here

Building a Repeatable PMI Approach

A practical afternoon on building repeatable integration capabilities, effective governance, and lasting M&A value.

14:00- 14:15

Welcome and strategic context

We open the workshop with an overview of the afternoon, the current state of post-merger integration in Germany, and why PMI is becoming an increasingly important lever for M&A value creation.

Speakers: Stefan Schneider, Ömer F. Güven, Christoph Becker

14:15 - 14:45

From integration discipline to strategic core competence

Why do companies bring so much structure and discipline to the deal, yet treat integration as an afterthought when that is where the value is actually realized?

This session explores how companies can move beyond one-off integration projects and build a repeatable PMI capability. It examines the structures, standards, and management practices needed to professionalize integration, create clear accountability, and consistently deliver the synergies and strategic objectives behind the deal.

Speaker:

Christoph Becker, Head of Competence Center M&A, T60

25+ years of experience across the full M&A lifecycle, from strategy and transaction execution to post-merger integration. Former corporate M&A leader and management consultant with experience in leading international consultancies.

14:45 - 15:30

A practical PMI framework: Case Study

A practical case study from AL-KO Tech on post-merger integration, including key lessons from implementing PMI in a corporate environment, followed by an interactive discussion on what can be applied across different companies and transactions.

Speakers:

Micha Harzenetter, Vice President Business Development, AL-KO Vehicle Technology

Leads M&A and strategic corporate development at AL-KO Vehicle Technology, bringing 20+ years in international corporate development and deal execution. Former President of AL-KO USA and AL-KO Automotive, with a career spanning leadership roles in Europe and North America.

Alexander Klaus, Business Development Manager (PMI, Strategy, PMO) / M&A Manager, AL-KO Vehicle Technology

15+ years of experience in M&A, post-merger integration, and corporate strategy, with a track record in integrating acquired businesses, supporting expansion, and leading controlling and business development functions.

15:30 - 16:00

Networking break

Coffee, conversation, and peer exchange with professionals working across M&A, integration, strategy, operations, and value creation.

16:00 - 16:45

PMI in practice: operating models for successful acquisitions

An acquisition can only be integrated effectively when the organization knows how it will operate afterwards. This session focuses on the choices that shape the post-acquisition operating model: what should be integrated, what should remain autonomous, who makes which decisions, and how accountability is maintained throughout the transition.

The discussion will consider how different operating-model and governance choices affect integration speed, business continuity, and the ability to deliver the deal thesis.

16:45 - 17:15

Legal success factors for effective integration

What can companies do to prepare for integration between signing and closing without crossing legal boundaries?

This session covers the practical legal issues that arise before and during integration, including pre-closing planning, governance and decision-making, gun-jumping risks, employee communications, employee representatives, and other employment-law considerations. The session includes time for practical questions and an exchange on lessons learned.

Speaker:

Christian A. Krebs, Partner at Jones Day | LL.M., Harvard

20+ years advising global corporates and PE sponsors on cross-border M&A, with buy-side and sell-side experience across all major deal structures. Recognized by JUVE, WiWo, Handelsblatt, and Legal 500, he also serves as Deputy President of the German American Lawyers Association.

17:15

Key takeaways from the day

Wapping up the workshop with three guiding ideas:

Closing the deal is only the beginning; value is realized through disciplined integration
PMI should be treated as a strategic capability, not simply as a project
Standardization, clear governance, and practical playbooks improve the chances of a successful integration

Speaker: Christoph Becker, T60

ab 17:30

Networking time