Fast Fusion

In September 2009, Xerox announced it was acquiring ACS, a leading business processing outsourcer. Thanks to Paul Hartley and his team of transition experts, the two companies began implementing a comprehensive plan to realize cost savings and cross-selling opportunities the day the deal closed four months later.

The merger combined a $17 billion company with a $6 billion company and was the largest in Xerox’s 100-year history, but Hartley said it came down to successful change management. “The cultures of the two companies were fairly similar, but dealing with change management is nevertheless essential,” he said.