
Exploring Cultural Challenges in International M&As: Lessons from Chinese Acquisitions

Klint Kendrick, HR M&A Roundtable
Marta Bollaert, LSE Organizational Psychology Graduate
Join Klint and Marta as they lead us in a discussion on Exploring Cultural Challenges in International M&As: Lessons from Chinese Acquisitions.


In today's global business landscape, cross-border mergers and acquisitions have become increasingly common. These transactions come with unique challenges, particularly when it comes to navigating cultural differences. By understanding the unique interplay between culture and context in international M&As, we can gain valuable insights on how to mitigate these challenges and leverage cultural synergies for success.
Through a qualitative case study of a Chinese acquisition of a British factory, we will explore the cultural challenges that arise during integration. We will discuss how drastic differences in communication styles, work values, and decision-making can impact the success of an international M&A. Additionally, we will examine the role of contextual factors such as unexpected events and past experiences in creating further obstacles for successful integration.
THIS GLOBAL ROUNDTABLE IS OPEN TO ALL HR M&A PRACTITIONERS.
We host global roundtables the 2nd Tuesday of every month.

Klint Kendrick
Chair
HR M&A Roundtable
Klint is Chair of the HR M&A Roundtable and author of The HR Practitioners Guide to Mergers & Acquisitions Due Diligence. He has worked on nearly 100 merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions, representing billions of dollars and affecting thousands of employees.
Long before taking HR M&A leadership roles with several Fortune 500 firms, Klint was part of several acquired companies. One deal was so poorly managed that he resigned and took a million-dollar book of business with him. A few years later, as an HR manager at a different firm, he had to react when panicked employees called him after learning about a deal in their newsfeeds instead of company communications.


Marta Bollaert
LSE Organizational Psychology Graduate
Marta is a graduate of the London School of Economics and Political Science, holding a Masters degree in Organizational and Social Psychology. Her international upbringing in Belgium, Northern Ireland, France, Singapore, and England initially sparked her curiosity about human behavior and specifically the role culture has within organizations.
She explored this fascination through her Master's Thesis, where she conducted a case study on a Chinese acquisition of a British factory. This research unveiled the multifaceted cultural and contextual challenges that transpire during such integrations, fostering her fascination with Mergers and Acquisitions and the critical role of culture and people in their success.
Marta further developed her interest in the subject through her internship at FifthChrome, where she was involved in helping with the company’s development of M&A toolkits companies can adopt to facilitate their cultural integration.
During her time at the London School of Economics, Marta also served as a consultant and Project Manager at Castore Consulting, offering strategic advice to startups. These experiences underscored the significance of prioritizing people and the human aspect of business, nurturing her passion for creating a positive impact on organizations, especially in the complex landscape of M&As.
Currently, Marta works within the sales landscape of Workday, a renowned tech company celebrated for its innovative HR and people software solutions. Through this role, she continues to pursue her passion for emphasizing the human element in the workplace and fostering positive organisational change.
Overall, she is passionate about making a positive impact on organisations through the understanding of people, having a keen interest in the field of M&A and particularly the intricate human dynamics that accompany it.

What is the purpose of the roundtables?
Our virtual global and in-person regional roundtable discussions offer you a unique opportunity for networking, learning, and sharing your knowledge and experiences with your peers. At each session you’ll:
• Expand your network of professionals who share similar interests in Mergers & Acquisitions.
• Exchange experiences and know-how with other group members, allowing you to validate and share ideas, opinions, and best practices.
• Explore emerging practices and new trends in the HR M&A space
What is the HR M&A Roundtable?
The HR M&A Roundtable is a forum for Human Resources professionals and others managing the people, leadership, and culture issues in Mergers & Acquisitions. We offer roundtable sessions, training, tools, and an annual conference.
Who participates in roundtable discussions?
Participation is limited to HR or Corporate Development professionals who are either in a role with M&A responsibilities or who anticipate managing a transaction in the next 12 months.
Where are roundtable sessions held?
We host global virtual roundtable sessions every month. These 60-minute sessions focus on a particular topic of interest to practitioners. Discussions are led by a seasoned HR M&A practitioner who will help ensure what you share can be applied to your deal work. Past topics have included leadership retention, culture assessment, global deals, and total rewards alignment.
We also offer Regional Roundtable sessions in many cities, including Chicago, New York, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Austin, Denver, and London. These sessions usually take place face-to-face but have moved to a virtual format in response to the pandemic.