Mergers & Acquisitions Magazine: How to Win M&A Deals with A People-Centric Strategy

Many small businesses think M&A success hinges on key financial metrics like market share potential and positive EBITDA, but the real make‑or‑break factor is their people.

In “The Overlooked Driver of M&A Success,” G&A Partners’ Chief People Officer Michelle Mikesell breaks down why human capital determines whether an acquisition delivers long‑term value.

Mikesell argues that employees view acquisitions through the lens of stability, trust, and day‑to‑day impact. When leaders prioritize communication, transparency, and thoughtful integration, they retain talent, preserve their company culture, and accelerate performance. When they don’t, the deal’s value erodes quickly.

“With 70-90 percent of M&As failing to deliver expected value, a people-first talent strategy becomes more paramount than ever,” Mikesell says. “Without thoughtful integration, organizations quickly experience misalignment across teams, leadership, and customer relationships.”

Read the full Mergers & Acquisitions article.