Post-Merger Integration: everything starts after signing, with J.- C. LEBEAU, CEO

Episode 7

 

Our videos dive into business growth, operational excellence, and concrete strategies to scale your company. Real-world case studies, expert interviews, and actionable advice: follow us to accelerate your growth journey.

Notre chaine youtube

In this seventh episode, Thomas Colin (Alvo.Market) and Maxime Nicolas (Outmatch) welcome Jean-Charles Lebeau, CEO of Renovio. After acquiring around fifteen companies in less than four years in the renovation sector, he shares his hands-on experience with Post-Merger Integration (PMI) — the crucial stage that begins once the deal is signed.

Integration: a marathon rather than a sprint

Signing the deal is only the beginning. Jean-Charles stresses that integration must be prepared during negotiations, but it plays out over time. Where closing is a sprint, PMI is more like a marathon — requiring patience, method, and above all, attention to the people who keep the business running day to day.

Securing vital signs from day one

In the month following an acquisition, the priority is clear: regain control of the company’s “vital signs” — cash, bank accounts, data, HR, management tools. This stabilization ensures continuity and prevents unpleasant surprises before beginning the gradual integration process.

A dedicated team and a pragmatic method

At Renovio, a specialized team — the Team Sparrow — manages each integration: finance, HR, IT, accounting. This industrialized setup allows speed while respecting the human pace. The goal: within six months, the acquired company should run on group systems and fully identify with Renovio, while maintaining its local expertise.

People: the key to success

Beyond processes, Jean-Charles emphasizes that integration relies on trust. Being on-site, meeting teams from day one, and establishing direct dialogue are all levers to reduce resistance and spark collective momentum. Successful integration is not uniformity, but a balance between local autonomy and a shared vision.