Be prepared for a Merger, Acquisition, or Divestiture (MAD) event

Solution Guides

You can't predict an MAD event, but if your records are prepared, you can make it easier to navigate.

July 16, 20255 mins

Before a MAD event

One of the biggest challenges of a MAD event is managing information risk. While you can’t eliminate risk, you can mitigate it if you understand it, from the start. Here are some key questions to help identify areas of risk, followed by some best practices to minimize them.

MAD risk key questions

What are the contractual obligations related to records and data, particularly as they pertain to personal or sensitive information and intellectual property?
Where are your records and data stored, including with vendors? Is there redundancy in any systems, applications, or repositories?
When can records and data be destroyed? Before the event or after? Using which retention rules?
Who else, other than me, has accountability for records and data in this move?
How are records and data made secure from loss, misuse, and/or data breaches? How is accessibility enabled?

During a MAD event

Once a merger, acquisition, or divestiture is underway, time is of the essence. And teamwork is critical. When two or more organizations work together, there could be multiple stakeholders to engage as you merge Records Information Management (RIM) and Data teams – make sure everyone knows their role.

MAD teamwork

Here’s an example of how teamwork and communication are critical during a merger or acquisition – in this case, saving the organization from assuming custody of information that is not needed.

RIM identifies records and data for transfer and gathers stakeholders, including business units.
Business Units note records and data that should not be transferred to the new entity.
Legal evaluates potential inherited legal holds and clears eligible records and data for disposition.
IT assists with the secure disposition of records, data, and eligible IT assets and devices.

After a MAD event

When the MAD event is over, the hard work is often just beginning for Records and Information Management (RIM) and Data Management professionals. It can take months or longer for a truly unified records and data management system to be realized. But if you’ve followed the proper steps along the way, you should find it less “maddening” to restore harmony.

With a few final steps, you can help put a bow on a MAD event and be prepared for the next one.