Integrating SaaS Acquisitions

Overview

Integrating SaaS Acquisitions is a five-part, 190-page book that explores both the business and technical aspects of integrating acquired software companies whose offerings are partially or entirely built on a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) business model.

Part 1 – House In Order

When planning a business combination, a leader’s first step should be gaining a clear understanding of their existing organization, along with its near-term and long-term strategic plans. This self-assessment creates an honest view of strengths and weaknesses, allowing for better alignment between the existing and acquired organizations. House in Order serves as a practical guide to evaluating a business’s current state, offering simple tools and actionable insights.

Part 2 – Build a Framework

Acquisitions require thoughtful planning, and while elements of past plans can be reused, a one-size-fits-all approach rarely leads to success. Build a Framework helps leaders establish a structured yet adaptable integration strategy—one that ensures consistency while preserving the autonomy teams need to address the unique challenges of each acquisition. By striking the right balance between repeatable processes and flexible execution, this approach empowers teams to take ownership of their work while staying aligned with the broader integration strategy. Effective integration isn’t about “cut and paste” execution—it’s about balancing structure with adaptability to drive meaningful, lasting success.

Part 3 – Create A Plan

Experienced integration leaders rely on a well-defined playbook—a structured approach that guides their teams through the complexities of planning. Create a Plan formalizes the scope of planning a SaaS business integration, providing a clear roadmap for success. This section also offers specific guidance on aligning integration plans with a broader framework, managing integration expenses, and leveraging artificial intelligence as a strategic enabler in the process.

Part 4 – Execute The Plan

Planning is essential, but true success is determined by execution. Execute the Plan provides leaders with a structured approach to integration, breaking priorities into the first six months, the next six months, and beyond the first year. It also offers real-world execution guidance for both technical and non-technical work streams critical to success. While a solid plan sets the foundation, successful execution requires a sharp focus on prioritization and the ability to navigate unexpected challenges along the way.

Part 5 – Innovation In Integration

Software companies built on a SaaS business model operate fundamentally differently from their predecessors, yet many acquisition targets have not fully transitioned to this model. Innovation in Integration challenges the traditional view of “integration expenses,” reframing them as integration investments and related expenses. After establishing this perspective, it walks readers through a hypothetical example based on real-world scenarios. Meaningful change doesn’t happen overnight—successful leaders continuously re-evaluate their integration strategies. From the application of accounting standards to the incorporation of generative AI, this section invites leaders to rethink and modernize the integration process.

Table of Contents

Publication Details

Formats

eBook

Available April 28th, 2025 via Apple Books, Amazon, Barnes & Nobel, and Smashwords

Paperback

Expected general availability on May 10th, 2025