Lika bolag leka bäst - En studie om betydelsen av likhet vid sammanslagningar av bolag
This study addresses the issue of mergers between consulting firms. Previous research has shown that there are specific factors that determine the outcome of a merger and that success is more likely if companies are more similar. The purpose of the study is therefore to define relevant factors and understand when resemblance matter and under what conditions disparity may cause problems. Furthermore, the aim of the study is to find a pattern of which factors are more important in a successful merger. The problem of the study is addressed through a qualitative research approach and is conducted on six different mergers. Rules to measure resemblance and disparity are set beforehand in order to decide the outcome of a characteristic. Using qualitative comparative analysis, the output is summarized in a table where conclusions of causality can be made. The most interesting finding in our study is that resemblance in process related factors are more significant in explaining a merger's outcome than strategic factors. Contrariwise, disparity in process related factors can still result in a successful merger if resemblance is found within strategic, organizational or demographic factors. In conclusion, resemblance in strategic factors is not as necessary as previous research suggests when agreement is found in process related factors.