Reducing IT Risks in Business Acquisitions with Microsolve's Expertise

When one business acquires another, success depends on more than financials or culture, it also depends on technology.

Hidden IT problems can very quickly turn a promising deal into a costly distraction. From unsupported clinical systems to unmanaged cloud accounts, unknown data breaches or equipment past end of support, risks often live deep inside IT environments.

Microsolve helps acquirers see what they are actually buying from an IT and cyber perspective, before they sign.

Mergers and Acquisition (M&A) teams rely on clear visibility during the acquisition process. That means understanding systems, data, and risks well enough to make confident choices. Microsolve’s IT due diligence and post-merger integration services help you uncover hidden issues, plan for smooth transitions, and protect business continuity and asset value.

Identifying Hidden IT Risks

When two organisations come together, every IT system, device, and account must be assessed. What looks like a modern setup on the surface might hide serious problems (otherwise known as the sticky tape and chewing gum environment!).

• Cybersecurity weaknesses. Legacy systems can create security gaps, leaving sensitive data exposed.
• Compliance concerns. Outdated or incomplete audit trails can breach regulatory obligations.
• Integration delays. Incompatible platforms and processes can stall merger timelines.
• Unplanned downtime. Poorly managed migrations can interrupt operations and reduce productivity.

Ignoring risks in these areas will result in transition delays, increased costs and reputational harm.

An example of this is when we were conducting an acquisition review, it was discovered that a legacy server holding historical clinical data had not been backed-up or patched in years. This vulnerability was serious enough that fixing it became a condition of sale. Identifying it early saved the acquirer from a major compliance and cybersecurity issue after purchase.

The Power of IT Due Diligence

Before an acquisition is complete, executives must understand what technological state they’re inheriting. Doing your due diligence is crucial in this stage. Start with IT discovery. Take a deep look at your intended acquisition's systems, software, security, and infrastructure. This process answers critical questions like:

1. Are the systems we’re buying secure and supported?
2. How much will it cost to bring them in line with our standards?
3. Can we integrate this environment with ours without major disruption?

Microsolve’s experienced consultants can help you assess each area, from hardware and cloud platforms to cybersecurity posture. You'll receive a clear, plain-English report outlining risks, dependencies, and recommendations to help you negotiate from a position of strength.

Integrating IT Systems After the Deal

Once the deal is done, Microsolve also helps with mergers and acquisitions IT integration. Technology alignment is a key driver of future productivity and efficiency. But integration can easily derail if not carefully planned.

Microsolve designs a practical roadmap so you can merge systems while keeping operations stable. Common questions executives often face include:

• Will we be able to standardise systems across the group within 12 months?
• Can we move legacy applications to the cloud safely?
• How do we protect information during the transition?

Our experts map out every step of your integration plan. From migrating data and consolidating systems to modernising legacy applications. The goal: minimise downtime, streamline operations, and make sure merged teams can work under one secure, resilient IT environment.

Strengthening Cyber Resilience and Business Continuity

Every acquisition introduces new threat surfaces. More endpoints, more data, and more potential vulnerabilities. Microsolve ensures your combined business can withstand cyber incidents or service outages throughout the transition.

Our security uplift and business continuity planning services provide practical solutions to complex challenges. We identify potential cyber threats early and strengthen your defences before integration begins.

Typical outcomes include:

• Improved cybersecurity posture across both businesses.
• A unified backup and recovery strategy.
• Reduced risk of costly breaches or unplanned downtime.

Whether the focus is on cloud migration, cyber compliance, or ongoing monitoring, our experts tailor strategies that keep your acquisition secure and resilient from day one.

Why Acquirers Trust Microsolve

With decades of experience supporting Australian organisations, Microsolve combines business insight with technical depth. Our team understands that executives need clear answers, not technical jargon.

Here's how Microsolve can assist:

1. Pragmatic approach: Begin with the end in mind - What does Day 1 need to look like for all stakeholders?  Day 7? Day 90?  Identifying what needs to be actioned to meet these outcomes will shape the priority, effort, and level of detail required during any transition process.

2. Comprehensive IT Due Diligence: Microsolve assesses the target company's IT infrastructure, including hardware, software, networks, cybersecurity, and data management. This aids the acquiring company in identifying risks and planning for seamless integration.

3. Identifying and Mitigating Risks: Microsolve's skilled IT team analyses due diligence data to identify and mitigate potential risks, ensuring a smooth integration process. Successful acquisitions require a meticulous strategy, including a thorough evaluation of IT risks. Neglecting IT considerations can result in substantial issues in the future.

4. Cybersecurity Enhancements: Microsolve helps strengthen the cybersecurity position of the target company by implementing rigorous measures to safeguard against data breaches and other cyber threats.

5. Hypercare: During the integration phase, Microsolve provides guidance and support to merge IT systems successfully. Their expertise in data migration and software integration minimises disruptions and downtime.

6. IT Infrastructure Optimisation: Microsolve works to optimise the combined IT infrastructure, eliminating redundancies and identifying areas for improvement. This optimisation helps streamline operations and reduces overall IT costs.

7. Regulatory Compliance Assurance: Microsolve ensures that the acquired company's IT practices align with industry regulations and help the acquiring company meet compliance requirements.

Our goal is simple: reduce IT risks in business acquisitions so you enter every deal with confidence and control.

Key Takeaways for Decision-Makers

No matter the size of your organisation, technology plays a central role in every acquisition.
Here’s what to focus on:

• Start IT due diligence early so hidden risks don't outweigh the purchase price.
• Build a clear plan for integrating systems and data post-acquisition.

• Review cybersecurity across both parties. Pay close attention to staff access, backups, and outdated systems.
• Identify costs for harmonising cloud or on-premise environments.

• Align IT integration with compliance and risk frameworks.
• Plan for staged cloud migration and change management to reduce disruption.

Every step should point toward one goal: reducing risk while accelerating the benefits of your acquisition strategy.

For a successful acquisition, it's crucial to acquire the business and its technology in a valuable way that enhances the contracting company's growth strategy. With Microsolve, embark on your acquisition journey confidently and with peace of mind.