Mergers and acquisitions game not for the faint of heart

IN VIEW of today being Valentine's Day, this column will focus on mergers and acquisitions, as business acquisitions and romantic relationships have one important thing in common - both are to establish a partnership.

As anyone who has ever married knows, mergers are not for the fainthearted. Preparations there must be, of course, but however thorough, they won't align expectations with reality. Due diligence will be pursued with vigour and inquiry, as should be so. The figures will be scrutinised to see where savings can be made. They may present a plump dividend as a low-hanging fruit. Alas, the reality will be that the harvest this year has already passed by. Next year, anything might happen.

Know your partner