Microsoft’s Acquisition of Sendit (C): The Integration Challenge

Published 01 Feb 2003
Reference 5063
Topic Strategy
Region Europe
Length 19 page(s)
Summary

The case describes Microsoft’s first significant acquisition in Europe and its first in the telecom equipment (software) market. SendIt is a publicly listed Swedish start-up, which offers the only Windows based solutions to the IP-based mobile phone services market. The acquisition starts in high tone, loses momentum and is finally integrated with some degree of success.

Teaching objectives

The case series follows all the phases of the acquisition and integration process. It is meant to illustrate the complexities of acquisition processes in high-tech industries. Can be used in a strategy implementation, corporate development, M&A or change management course.

Keywords
  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • High-tech
  • Mobile telephony
  • Negotiation
  • Valuation
  • Change management
  • Post-acquisition integration