This content is only available to members
When a business merger or acquisition takes place, it is important to consider how the two brands will be combined.
As well as looking at how the product portfolio and customer base may change, it is essential to look at how the brand equity of both companies will be preserved. Brand equity is a measure of how well customers recognise and trust a brand, and it is important for businesses to make sure that this is not lost during a merger or acquisition.
The first step in preserving brand equity during a merger or acquisition is to ensure that the branding strategy is carefully considered. It is important to research the two brands and consider the customer base, product portfolio and overall perception of each company. This will help to identify any potential issues that could arise when they are merged or acquired.
Once the branding strategy has been considered, the next step is to develop a plan for how the two brands will be combined. This should include a timeline of when changes will be made, as well as steps to ensure that the brand equity of both companies is preserved. This could include creating a unified website or logo, or introducing new products that will appeal to customers of both companies.
It is also important to consider how the customer experience will be affected by the merger or acquisition. This could include changes to customer service, delivery times and product availability. By ensuring that customers still receive the same level of service they did before the merger or acquisition, it can help to preserve brand equity.
It is also important to communicate with customers throughout the process. Keeping customers informed about any changes and how they’ll be impacted can help to ensure that the brand equity of both companies is preserved.
Finally, it is important to consider how the two companies will be perceived in the market. This should include looking at the competition and making sure that the combined brand is positioned favourably. This could include investing in marketing and advertising campaigns to ensure that customers are aware of the new brand.
By carefully considering the branding strategy, developing a plan for how the two brands will be combined, ensuring a seamless customer experience and communicating with customers throughout the process, businesses can help to preserve brand equity during a merger or acquisition. With careful planning and attention to detail, businesses can ensure that their brand equity is preserved and they continue to be successful in the market.