Every merger and acquisition (M&A) transition has unique elements because there are company-specific circumstances, such as financial health and cultural fit, that must be considered. Deal size, complexity, and strategic goals will introduce nuances to the process. Companies that fail to consider each unique element invite unnecessary M&A risks.
Derian’s technical writing carefully considers every unique element. Her client-centered approach ensures the intelligent translation, consolidation, and transfer of specific institutional knowledge. She facilitates successful, value-driven mergers that capture the full potential of combined entities and unleash a higher capacity for growth.
“My experience in M&A writing has taught me each organization demands a tailored approach to documentation,” says technical writer Sally Derian. “I’ve witnessed how ambiguous documentation can jeopardize business operations, so I focus on creating clear, comprehensive guides that serve as dependable roadmaps through the transition. I ensure these documents evolve alongside a client’s needs, maintaining relevance throughout the M&A process.”
Derian possesses a unique 360-degree perspective on the M&A writing process that she has acquired by serving in operational and change management roles in both startups and enterprise organizations. She brings over two decades of business experience to the process, including a comprehensive understanding of a wide range of business functions in various industries, including legal, financial, SaaS, and information technology.
“My approach seamlessly translates high-level merger strategies into practical, day-to-day operational realities through precise, clear writing,” Derian explains. “My background allows me to provide expert guidance from a strategic planning and granular execution approach. I not only anticipate potential challenges but also craft tailored solutions that address the unique challenges M&A clients face.”
An immersive approach to M&A consulting
Derian believes a standardized approach won’t uncover the intricacies that must be addressed in the M&A documentation process. To ensure every nuance is understood and assessed, she undertakes a deep dive into her clients’ operations, exploring every facet in detail.
“Immersion is key to my approach,” she explains. “I gain firsthand insight into my clients’ daily operations by integrating myself into their teams, which enables me to craft documentation that authentically reflects the intricacies of their business. This collaborative process often leads to unexpected discoveries, providing clients with fresh perspectives on their operations.”
By orchestrating deep engagement with her clients, Derian moves beyond simply capturing where they currently stand. Her goal is to help them move confidently into and beyond their merger, which requires absorbing their concerns, aspirations, and vision for the merged entity.
“My process starts with active listening,” Derian says. “I can deliver exceptional results because my work goes beyond merely recording existing processes. I capture the essence of the M&A journey and the future they are striving to create.”
Delivering tangible and far-reaching benefits
In the average M&A process, documentation is primarily used to assess potential. Derian’s approach enhances the value of documentation, transforming it into a tool that enhances the entire process.
“Good documentation serves as the bedrock for successful integrations, offering clarity in times of change and uncertainty,” Derian explains. “The comprehensive documentation I provide accelerates integration timelines, allowing for smoother handovers and quicker adoption of new processes. The result is a faster pace that maintains business momentum during transitions.”
Technical documentation also facilitates a smooth M&A process by driving enhanced employee engagement. The well-crafted content that results from Derian’s deep dive approach demonstrates respect for existing knowledge and processes, which can help ease employee anxieties about the change.
Fostering a dynamic and evolving process
Derian has rejected a generic approach to M&A documentation because she has seen how it fails organizations. It not only ignores the unique elements of the specific deal, but it is also often built on outdated assumptions about business practices. Derian takes a dynamic approach to documentation, adapting to client feedback and emerging writing trends to continuously refine its methodology.
“This people-centered ethos is more than just a working style — it’s the essence of my professional identity,” Derian shares. “By placing organizations at the core of my work, I go beyond mere documentation. I become a partner to business leaders, helping articulate their unique narratives and guiding them confidently through M&A and operational transitions.”