Merging with another entity or being acquired by one is never easy, but there are ways to make the process run more smoothly. First, plan the integration before the deal is done, defining and agreeing on the appropriate role for the CIO and IT in each of the deal's phases. Getting involved early helps CIOs stay on top of optimizing decisions for the deal as a whole, not just for each functional part. And getting the CIO and IT team on the inside as soon as possible will make sure the group is included in all decisions. CIOs must work quickly to reduce complexities in the process by fixing the governance of the IT integration so that broad input from both sides are included. It's also important to make sure that IT integration projects are core parts of the portfolio management and prioritizing process. If you are being acquired, learn as much as possible about your acquirer's business strategies, goals and situation, and use that information to develop a plan to be discussed with future management.

Read more about coming out on top in an M&A situation:
- read the article at CIO Canada

ALSO: read this about CIOs taking center stage during mergers and takeovers