In the next 12 months we expect to see a number of team moves and mergers and acquisitions in the accountancy profession.

But will they create the anticipated value, or damage the business with unforeseen costs, reputational damage, and key staff and client losses?

There is no magic wand to a successful integration but there are a number of key areas to consider before any deal is struck.

First, there needs to be a very clear and specific view of why the acquisition will add value to the acquiring business.

Vague objectives, for example ‘to grow the firm’ are insufficient and set the process off on the wrong foot.