Cyber Security Problems in M&A – Real, Not Imagined, and Hitting Hard

Cyber security problems in M&A deals are no longer for the other guy to worry about. If you think that it is only software, communications and related information technology companies that are impacted by cyber security issues before, during and after their sale, then you are flirting with potential disaster and real hard money losses should you be (or are about to be) in the midst of selling your own company. This really was highlighted very well in an article I read recently in SC Magazine titled, “Majority of surveyed execs have inherited cyber security problems after acquiring a software company“. This article cited a bevy of dramatic statistics from a survey on Software M&A done by the investment bankers at West Monroe Partners.  Among those most notable to me were that more than half of respondents (52%) reported discovering a cyber security problem after a deal closed. Far more said they were displeased with past experiences conducting due diligence in cyber security (16%) than into either a target’s technology (1%) or operations (1%). Cyber security was the No. 2 reason (35%) software M&A deals were abandoned — as well as the second most common reason buyers regretted a deal.  And these stats were about software companies where they eat, breathe and sleep technology for a living! 

So my advice to you is this:

1. You use computers to operate your business – right?  Then shore up your cyber security; get experts on it now; and make sure that cyber problems do not drive your company off the rails into the ditch.
2. Anticipate problems, but make them go away (or even become opportunities) by engaging tech savvy Board, business, and risk management pros so you do not have to lawyer up later.
3. For the deal itself, get an M&A pro to quarterback the deal team – the lawyers, accountants, bankers, et al, and lead you through the exit minefield – due diligence to agreements to closing.

• About the Author
• Latest Posts

About Jack Warnock

Jack Warnock is an M&A pro and a consigliere to CEOs who are exiting their businesses. He will ensure that the outcome is optimal, the best value is achieved, and the transition is smooth, all while you and your team continue to effectively do your day job. Jack is a trusted resource with proven knowledge about how companies work; how ownership changes; how to buy businesses; how companies are sold; and how owners win.

• Exit Advice from “Exits – Traps and Triumphs” CEOs - June 21, 2018
• Buying In – Cybersecurity Risk and Due Diligence - April 17, 2018
• A Panel of CEOs Speaking About Exits to CEOs and Business Owners - March 28, 2018
• What Worries CEOs When They Exit - January 1, 2018
• Cyber Security Problems in M&A – Real, Not Imagined, and Hitting Hard - July 17, 2017
• Cyber Security Summits – Great Content; Deep Learning; Excellent Connections - May 26, 2017
• The CEO at Exit: Prepare; Talk; Listen; Empathize - May 5, 2017
• Be Prepared! Because “Startups get bought, not sold” - November 20, 2016
• Cyber Security Before, During and After Your Sale – Part II - October 7, 2016
• Cyber Security Before, During and After Your Sale – Part I - September 4, 2016