Issues in using enterprise architecture for mergers and acquisitions

Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) are complicated affairs requiring incredible amounts of analysis before and after the purchase. The chapter explores the use of EA to help with these processes. It is primarily a research based chapter with an interesting exploration of a DNA based modeling approach. It is also worth noting that M&As share many similar challenges as large organisations simply trying to optimize their operations or act more horizontally such as is the case with many national governments. As Editors we believe that EA can definitely help with M&As and there is literature which explains this in detail. However, there are some real challenges we need to address to make this more effective and easier. The idea that EA could use DNA type approach is worth exploring. The componentization of the enterprise has been a long mission of EA and the ultimate way we will describe our enterprises from an EA perspective is still evolving. Coherency Management is better made as the EA tools (such as the models discussed in this chapter) improve. If more enterprises start to use common models, then the ability to analyze merger opportunities as well as the ability to execute on those mergers greatly improves. The agility element of the coherent enterprise helps with M&As just as with any other change or in the consideration of change.