featured case study
Realizing Cost Synergies Exceeding $5M Annually
Streamlined operations and optimized resource allocation by integrating systems and creating a new go-to-market strategy
By partnering with The Abaco Group, this professional services client achieved full operational integration of a FinTech company within the 6-12 month timeline, unifying processes, systems and teams under one single operating model. By executing a controlled migration of members to the new SaaS-based digital service offering, member satisfaction scores increased by 15% due to enhanced platform functionality, faster response times and personalized support during the transition. The Abaco Group helped the client launch a new go-to-market strategy that increased new member sign-ups by 10% within the first six months post-integration, while retaining 98% of existing members. The client is now positioned to capture additional market share, with projected revenue growth of 12-15% over the next two years due to the enhanced service offering.
the challenge
A new acquisition to compliment offerings posed difficulties with operating model integration
A medium-sized enterprise in the Professional & Business Services industry aimed to acquire a Fintech company with an industry-leading SaaS platform that complemented its existing service offerings. However, integrating two organizations with distinct operational models, cultures, and technologies presented significant challenges:
- Operational Compatibility: The firm needed to assess the compatibility of both organizations’ processes, systems, and cultures to ensure a cohesive integration.
- Complex Integration Needs: The acquisition required a detailed roadmap to align in-flight projects, prioritize initiatives, and address capability gaps without disrupting existing operations.
- Member Experience Continuity: Ensuring a seamless transition for members to the new digital service offering was critical to maintaining trust and market leadership.
- Employee Retention: The merger risked voluntary staff attrition due to uncertainty and cultural misalignment, threatening operational stability.
- Go-to-Market Strategy: The combined entity needed a unified strategy to capitalize on new capabilities and maintain its competitive edge in the market.
- Time and Resource Constraints: With a tight 6-12 month timeline, the client required rapid due diligence and a structured approach to manage the complexity of the integration.
The organization sought The Abaco Group’s support to conduct due diligence, develop an integration roadmap, establish an IMO, and define a go-to-market strategy that would ensure long-term success.
The Approach
The Integration Management Office project adopted a structured, collaborative approach to align the client
and the FinTech company, prioritizing operational excellence, member experience, and strategic growth.
1
Operational Due Diligence
- Conducted a comprehensive current-state assessment of both organizations, analyzing processes, systems, organizational structures, and cultural dynamics.
- Identified internal best practices from each entity to serve as the foundation for the future-state operating model, ensuring the retention of high-value capabilities.
- Pinpointed critical capability gaps, such as outdated legacy systems and skill shortages, that needed to be addressed to support the combined entities.
- Documented and tracked performance metrics to establish a baseline for integration success, including member satisfaction, system uptime, and employee retention rates.
2
Integration Roadmap Development
- Reviewed all in-flight projects across both organizations to assess their alignment with the future-state operating model.
- Prioritized high-impact initiatives, such as platform integration and member onboarding, while eliminating or deferring low-value projects to optimize resource allocation.
- Proposed new initiatives, including system upgrades and training programs, to address capability gaps and support the combined entity’s strategic objectives.
- Developed a detailed integration roadmap with clear milestones, dependencies, and resource requirements, segmented into 30-, 60-, and 100-day phases for execution.
3
Integration Management Office (IMO) Establishment
- Created a 100-day plan to guide the initial integration phase, outlining key activities, deliverables, and accountability structures.
- Drafted an IMO charter defining the office’s purpose, scope, and governance model to ensure alignment across stakeholders.
- Established standardized management routines, including weekly status meetings, risk assessments, and performance dashboards, to track progress and resolve issues.
- Developed a comprehensive change management plan to address employee concerns, foster cultural alignment, and communicate transparently with members about the transition.
4
Go-to-Market Strategy
- Analyzed the combined entity’s capabilities to identify competitive differentiators, such as enhanced digital features and expanded service offerings.
- Designed a go-to-market strategy that leveraged the FinTech’s SaaS platform to attract new members while retaining existing ones through targeted marketing and personalized onboarding.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align sales, marketing, and customer success functions under a unified brand identity.
5
Stakeholder Engagement and Execution
- Engaged leadership, employees, and member representatives through workshops and town halls to build buy-in and address concerns.
- Provided training and support to ensure staff were equipped to adopt new processes and technologies.
- Monitored integration progress through regular checkpoints, adjusting plans as needed to mitigate risks and maintain momentum.
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