Working Together: Case Studies on Strategic Collaborations

In the Southern California affordable housing market, are there too many developers and not enough tax credits? Are there opportunities to strengthen organizations through strategic collaborations? Mergers and acquisitions may be the answer to many of the challenges in today’s affordable housing industry. The goal of the session is for participants to observe and learn how organizations have formed strategic partnerships to become more efficient market players.

Topics to be discussed include:

• Knowing when to consider a merger or acquisition
• Examining complementary organizational strengths
• Determining the best cultural fit
• Developing a comprehensive due diligence process
• Using a merger or acquisition to improve financial health and increase impact
• Learning the role of board members, senior staff and consultants during the process
• Understanding the cost and timing of mergers and acquisitions
• Anticipating the myriad of crises that can be avoided
• Using a merger or acquisition to expand mission, business lines and/or geography
• Deciding when to abandon consideration of a merger or acquisition