+61 414 638 895 Successful Merger in 10 Months
Merger integration can look straightforward on paper. The legal agreements are signed, the announcements are made, and the new organisation begins operating under a shared banner.
The reality is usually far more complex.
Integrating systems, processes, brands, teams and cultures can take years. Without a clear change strategy, organisations often experience confusion, reduced productivity, disengagement and costly delays.
That was the challenge facing Altrad following the acquisition and integration of Valmec and AusGroup.
Overcoming the Challenges of Merger Integration
Altrad's goal was ambitious: successfully integrate multiple businesses into a single operating model within a strict 10-month timeframe while maintaining operational efficiency and minimising disruption across the organisation.
Several factors made the project particularly challenging:
The project required more than a technical integration. It needed a practical, people-focused approach that could build trust, create alignment and maintain momentum across multiple stakeholder groups.
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Walk away with 2-3 recommendations, an idea of the change readiness risks, and options for training or support (if needed).
Our Approach to Successful Merger Integration
We implemented a cost-effective and agile Change Management approach, prioritising stakeholder engagement to build trust and secure buy-in throughout the process. The approach was deliberately structured to balance pace with control, ensuring that integration activities progressed quickly without compromising alignment, clarity, or engagement across the organisation.
Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all methodology, the solution was tailored to the complexity of the integration environment, with a strong focus on practical execution, visible leadership alignment, and continuous stakeholder feedback loops.
Pause & Assess
Conducted a thorough change impact analysis and developed a comprehensive, strategic program roadmap.
Engaged 34+ key stakeholders via interviews, workshops, and surveys during the initial phase to gather insights and align expectations.
Stakeholder Engagement
Delivered 70+ focused interactions with change champions and critical stakeholders to ensure alignment, foster collaboration, and secure ongoing support.
Created 15+ ready-to-use templates for town halls, toolbox talks, and engagement sessions, ensuring a consistent, clear message across the organisation.
Clear Communication
Established 9 communication channels and defined 3 core messages to ensure clarity, consistency, and effective information flow.
Provided tailored talking points, slide decks, and coaching for the CEO and COO, empowering them to deliver confident and consistent messaging.
The Results
ATTITUDE SHIFT
84%
We have seen a remarkable shift in attitudes from frustration as people tried to understand and embrace the change, to demonstrated commitment for a better, bigger and more sustainable Altrad.
HIGH ENGAGEMENT
2 p.w.
With over 70 Stakeholder touchpoints we were able to have 2 touchpoints a week which build trust and momentum from the intervention past go-live.
Growth & ROI
7x
The estimated ROI of 7x reflects significant cost savings compared to typical market rates, highly effective change execution, and long-term change readiness benefits.
CHANGE READINESS SCORE
75%
The client’s readiness to manage change likely increased by 40–60% due to reusable and scalable tools, templates, skills and frameworks
Key Lessons for Organisations Navigating Mergers
The Altrad integration demonstrates that successful mergers are not just about combining systems and structures. They are about bringing people together around a shared future.
Three factors played a critical role:
When organisations focus on these fundamentals, they create the conditions for smoother integrations, stronger employee buy-in and sustainable long-term success
What Our Client Said
“Thank you to the entire Approach Services team for the support and guidance on the communication of the integration activities. I believe the Altrad business will be in a strong position to leverage the approach, and content produced, for all future integrations. Until the next project, thanks again and take care!”
Looking Ahead
Every merger presents unique challenges, but the principles remain the same. A structured change management approach can help organisations reduce disruption, accelerate adoption and build the capabilities needed for future growth.
For Altrad, the result was more than a successful integration. It was the creation of a stronger, more aligned organisation equipped to navigate future change with confidence.
So why settle for a challenging merger integration when you can create a more aligned, engaged, and high-performing organisation with the right support?
Let's show you how and co-create the future together.
Sam is one of the authors of The 6 Cents of Change. He's a father, a CEO, an Engineer, a trainer and a problem-solver. His work impacted Apache, Santos, MMA, and more. In his other life, he loves CrossFit and cricket.
To learn more about us and the solutions we provide, subscribe to The 6 Cents of Change, follow us on LinkedIn or connect with us here info@approach-services.com or +61 (08) 610 20 343.
