A knowledge integration approach within acquisitions : how to deal with innovative acquired firms?

The aim of this study is to contribute to two pending issues. First, this study aims to contribute to the field of M&A which is still characterized with high failure rates in meeting the intended synergies. In this area, knowledge integration is still in its infancy while the potentials of the management of knowledge is highly acknowledged as such. The second issue this study addresses is the paradox between the interaction which is needed to obtain knowledge integration and remaining the acquired company’s innovativeness. These issues are both captured in the main research question: How could Philips facilitate the knowledge integration process between innovative acquired firms and Philips in order to continuously benefit from the acquired company its innovativeness?