An announcement of a merger of two companies usually results in a request for a press release. It is your responsibility as a PR specialist to write the merger press release that would garner the attention of the media.
In this guide, I will take you through effective ways to write a merger press release and the best templates that will guide your writing.
Key Points
- Mergers are a means for businesses to increase their market share, reach, or penetrate new markets.
- It is the voluntary combination of two businesses into one new legal entity under largely equal conditions.
- A press release is crucial since it assists a company in informing a large audience about critical details about its goods or services.
- It informs the customers or clients that they will gain further benefits from the merger.
- A press release ignites the staff’s enthusiasm for the company’s upcoming growth phase.
- It helps to get positive news coverage that showcases the businesses.
What Is a Merger?
A merger is the voluntary merging or coming together of two businesses into one new legal entity on largely equal terms. This means that in terms of size, clientele, and operational scope, the merging companies become equal. The phrase “merger of equals” is occasionally used as a result.
The main goals of mergers are to increase market share, lower operating costs, enter new markets, combine similar product lines, boost sales, and boost profits—all of which should be advantageous to the companies’ shareholders.
What Is a Merger Press Release?
A merger press release is a formal statement outlining the merger of two or more companies that is distributed to the media and other pertinent parties.
Furthermore, it details the features of the merger, such as the names of the merging companies, the terms and conditions of the contract, the strategic goals that drive the merger, and the anticipated benefits.
How Do You Write a Merger Press Release?
Here, I will show you how to write a merger press release that stands out.
You can also go through How to Write a Press Release (With Tips From PR Pros) to learn more about each component.
#1. Create an Attention-Grabbing Headline.
A well-crafted press release with an attention-grabbing headline draws readers in and encourages them to keep reading. Note that it must be succinct, educational, and intriguing in order to spark curiosity and set the press release apart.
For example, “Megatech and Jumba Z Announce Strategic Merger to Drive Innovation.”
Read Also:
13 Press Release Headline Examples to Inspire You (+ Free Tips)
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#2. Begin With the Key Details.
The beginning of the announcement should have a compelling tone. It should spark interest in the merger and provide a concise summary of the important details.
Provide background information to the intended audience and list the companies that are part of the acquisition. Then, indicate when you want it finished.
Therefore, you should include the following details:
- changes to the company’s name
- the date when the merger becomes effective.
- the impact of the merger on its employees
- the location of the new HQ
- any new leadership shifts or appointments.
#3. Include Quotes from Stakeholders.
Obtain some quotes from the relevant parties, like the CEOs, and stay away from anything that sounds too formal. Consider quotes that can be used as standalone statements in an article or on social media. Quotes from CEOs regarding forecasts for the market will catch the attention of reporters covering your business.
For example, after ExxonMobil and Pioneer Natural Resources announced a merger in 2023, ExxonMobil Chairman and CEO Darren Woods said;
“Pioneer is a clear leader in the Permian with a unique asset base and people with deep industry knowledge. The combined capabilities of our two companies will provide long-term value creation well over what either company is capable of doing on a standalone basis,”
#4. Include Quality Photos or Videos.
Adding graphics and assets, like new logos or branding, after a merger helps to highlight the importance of strategic choice and offers a concrete picture of future development.
Include high-quality pictures of the important players in the acquisition or merger, just like you would with any other media package.
Additionally, I recommend that if you have a video, include it! With just a few clicks, you can easily embed a video from your company’s YouTube channel into your press release.
Read Also: Video Storytelling: Its Benefits to Your Brand
#5. Add the Updated Boilerplate, Website and Logos.
A boilerplate refers to the last section of a press release that includes important details about the firm and brand, achievements, and contact details. It includes the business website as well.
You must therefore remember to mention and incorporate any updated branding information, such as a new company website or logo; journalists writing about the organization may find these updates to be particularly important.
Additionally, confirm that the boilerplate you’re using has the most recent contact details.
Merger Press Release Example
You can easily find examples of merger press releases online. Below is an example of a press release from a real-world merger:
Title: H.J. Heinz Company and Kraft Foods Group Sign Definitive Merger Agreement To Form The Kraft Heinz Company
Merger Press Release Template
What Is an Example of a Merger Letter?
What Is a Press Release for a Company’s Takeover?
An acquisition press release is a formal statement that a business makes to the public and other interested parties about a recent purchase.
When announcing an acquisition, be sure to include information about the two companies involved, quotations from the leadership teams, and specifics about each firm.
How Do You Write a CEO Press Release?
#1. Create a Catchy Headline
Create a headline that is both compelling and concise. It must successfully introduce the new CEO and highlight the importance of the news.
For example, “Techboy Corp. Welcomes Janeth Peters as New Chief Executive Officer,”.
Read Also: HOW TO BECOME A CEO: Skills, Qualifications & Best Practices
#2. Create an Eye-Catching Lead
This is where you answer the questions of who, what, when, where, and why in the opening paragraph. It should contain all the pertinent information regarding the appointment of the new CEO, such as their name, the official start date, and, if applicable, a brief synopsis of the outgoing CEO.
#3. Add a Quote from the New CEO
A quote from the soon-to-be CEO can personalize the message and provide a glimpse into their goals and management approach. Their excitement for the position and dedication to the company’s future should be evident in this comment.
For example, after Facebook acquired Instagram, Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg said,
“For years, we’ve focused on building the best experience for sharing photos with your friends and family. Now, we’ll be able to work even more closely with the Instagram team to also offer the best experiences for sharing beautiful mobile photos with people based on your interests.”
#4. Give Background Information
This is where you describe the new CEO’s experience, accomplishments, and credentials. Emphasize their prior leadership positions, relevant industry experience, and any noteworthy successes that show they can successfully run the organization.
#5. Add a Quote from the Outgoing CEO
This is where you add a quote from the departing CEO or the board of directors, which can help the transition and give the appointment legitimacy. You can also add the board’s faith in the incoming CEO’s qualifications and their qualification for the position should be emphasized in this quotation.
For example, after Facebook acquired Instagram, Instagram Founder Kevin Systrom said,
“When Mike and I started Instagram nearly two years ago, we set out to change and improve the way the world communicates and shares. We’ve had an amazing time watching Instagram grow into a vibrant community of people from all around the globe.”
#6. Talk About the Company’s Future.
Give a brief explanation of how the company’s strategic goals and ambitions are aligned with the appointment of the new CEO. This section ought to project hope and a distinct picture of the benefits the organization will experience from the new leadership.
On the Instagram acquisition, Zuckerberg adds,
“This is an important milestone for Facebook because it’s the first time we’ve ever acquired a product and company with so many users. We don’t plan on doing many more of these if any at all.”
#7. Include Biographical Details of the CEOs
Provide a more thorough biography section for stakeholders and journalists who are curious about the new CEO’s past. Give an overview of their training, professional development, noteworthy achievements, and any relevant personal or professional history.
#8. Give Business Details
This is where you add the purpose, market position, and noteworthy accomplishments of the business, which briefly summarizes the new CEO’s job and the company’s ongoing journey into context.
#9. Close With the Contact Details
Add contact information at the end of the press release in case there are any more questions. Make sure to include the name and contact information of the public affairs or media relations representative of the company.
#10. Observe the Right Format for Press Release.
Make sure the press release is formatted correctly. This means using the business’s official letterhead, speaking officially, and following the format and wording of typical press releases.
Read Also: Press Release Examples to Inspire You in 2024 (+ Expert Tips & Templates)
How Do I Announce a Merger?
There are several things to think about when you announce a merger or purchase of your firm.
The responsibility for the first announcement is to notify your employees and investors that you are working on or have completed a merger or acquisition.
The following details ought to be included in the announcement:
#1. Provide Information about the Businesses.
Give details on each company’s activities, goods and services offered, mission and values statements, and organizational background.
#2. Add the Date of Transaction.
Give the date that the contract was finalized, if it has been. Provide as much information as you legally can about the approaching date if it hasn’t been decided upon yet.
#3. Why Is the Merger Happening?
This is where you tell your staff the reason why your company is merging. Is it a result of the complementary tech used by the company? Will it make it possible for your company to enter a new market? Your staff will be more in favor of the transaction if you explain why it is being made.
#4. What are the Goals, Impacts, and New Objectives of the Merger?
You should offer deep details on these. It will assist in uniting all of your workers in both organizations around a single objective. This could be to create a new app, expand sales, or acquire market share.
#5. Provide Information on the Business Being Merged.
You should give your employees access to materials so they can learn more about the company. This could be an intranet webpage link or a PDF.
#6. Add Quotes from Involved Parties, like the CEO.
To help unite and encourage staff, it is critical to add quotes from the leaders in charge of this new organization and demonstrate their optimism and future-focused vision.
#7. Include Updated Information like a New Website, Location, or Logo.
This additional information will be necessary for multiple divisions inside your organization, like your shipping team, legal team, marketing team, etc.
#8. Include Contact Information.
Since many staff members will be curious about how this will impact their own jobs, make sure you give them the contact details of a human resources agent who can respond to these inquiries. Additionally, confirm that your HR department is equipped to address any questions that may arise from staff members.
#9. Boilerplate Legal Information
Finally, you should make sure that your legal team reviews your announcement. This is because it ought to contain standard information on contracts, confidentiality, and other things.
Note that notifying your staff about a merger or acquisition as soon as possible is crucial. If you abruptly make a significant change in your business, it will be more likely that they will quit, and at this time, you will need the stability and experience of tenured staff members.
Related Articles:
Press Release Boilerplate: Writing An Effective Copy
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