Why Do 70 to 90% of M&A Deals Fail?

It’s rarely because of the financials. It’s almost never about the legal due diligence. More often than not, it comes down to people – and the stories they’re told (or not told) during a deal.

I’ve spent over a decade leading M&A communication across global tech and biotech organizations. And I’ve seen firsthand how overlooked this part of the process can be.

When communication is treated as an afterthought – rather than an integral part of the deal strategy – teams disengage, customers get nervous, media misinterpret the narrative, and competitors capitalize on the confusion.

Here’s what effective M&A communications actually do:

·       Align internal teams early – before the announcement hits the wire

·       Anticipate and address stakeholder concerns (employees, customers, investors)

·       Shape the public narrative to build confidence in the market

·       Support cultural integration post-close, which is where many synergies stall

If you’re acquiring a company – or preparing to be acquired – you’ve likely brought in the best lawyers, bankers, and consultants. But have you considered who’s managing the message?

Who’s making sure your leadership team says the same thing, with confidence and clarity?

Who’s translating the vision into something that builds trust – not just headlines?

Who’s keeping your people engaged when everything feels uncertain?

That’s where I come in.

At Eleven Eleven Communications, I partner with executive teams and deal leads to build tailored M&A communications strategies – from pre-announcement through post-close integration.

Because a deal’s success shouldn’t hinge on how fast you can get to Day 1 – it should hinge on how well your story holds up on Day 100.