Our CEO, Brett Bernstein, was recently quoted in Family Wealth Report in a piece titled “After the Honeymoon: How to Handle Post‑M&A Integration Blues”, offering invaluable insights on the often-challenging phase following mergers and acquisitions.

Key Takeaways from the Article:

Integration is tougher than the deal itself. Some advisors highlight that three-quarters of advisors weren’t prepared for the integration phase, and a third would do things differently. It's important to remember that human capital is paramount. Brett emphasizes that behavioral change is the hardest hurdle. As Brett puts it, “people don’t like change”. Giving people a sense of empowerment can help. Empowerment tends to foster buy-in. Bernstein adds that successful integration requires clearly sharing the vision, ensuring all team members understand what's expected and what they’re working toward.

Post-deal headaches span more than people. Challenges range from HR and custodial integration to tech systems and healthcare benefits—the latter was a surprising concern noted by one firm. Proactive planning is essential, but patience pays off. As Bernstein wisely observes, “You can do as much planning as you want, but you don’t know what curve balls will be thrown at you.” 

What It Means for XML Financial Group Clients

At XML, we're deeply committed to seamless integration when acquiring or merging with another firm. Brett Bernstein’s perspectives reflect our core principles:

• We work to prioritize people—our clients, partners, and staff experience meaningful, human-centered transitions.
• We work to communicate openly and often—we make transparency and clarity foundational to every integration.
• We plan ahead, but stay flexible—we build structured roadmaps while remaining adaptable to unexpected developments.
• We work to support and empower our teams—which helps to mitigate turnover risk by ensuring everyone feels valued and aligned.

Looking Ahead

Check out the full article to read more. 

Have questions about how these insights and ideas could impact your personalized wealth management strategy? Let’s talk.

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