Successful integration of target firms in international acquisitions: A comparative study in the Medical Technology industry

Abstract

Abstract This paper explores approaches for integration of target firms in international acquisitions in the context of the Medical Technology (MT) industry. Recent research suggests that resource interactions present the primary activities in integration. With six in-depth case studies, this paper firstly reexamines the strategic resources in smaller units to build the foundation for later analysis. It then clarifies the concept of similarity and complementarity with two working definitions. After that, four integration approaches have been identified: capability maintenance, capacity building, product focus, and R&D focus. Finally, a two by two matrix is synthesized to reveal the nature of developing integration approaches from a resource-based view (RBV). Besides the theoretical contributions to acquisition literature, this study also has its compound managerial implications.