Rapid Integration of a Flooring Manufacturer by Implementing an IMO
Background
A private equity backed client acquired the assets of a flooring manufacturer following a bankruptcy triggered by legal and operational challenges. The acquisition was highly time sensitive; the business needed to be stabilized, integrated, and operationalized quickly to preserve customer relationships, retain key talent, and prevent further value erosion.
Unlike a traditional acquisition, the transaction involved limited continuity of systems, fragmented documentation, and elevated operational risk. The client required an accelerated integration to stand up core functions, establish governance, and enable the business to operate as a viable standalone entity within three months.
Approach
An Integration Management Office (IMO) was established immediately to drive execution, manage risk, and maintain momentum across all workstreams.
Key elements of the approach included:
Rapid stabilization and triage: Prioritized critical Day 1-30 activities to ensure business continuity across finance, operations, IT, and customer fulfillment.
Clear governance and decision rights: Implemented a streamlined IMO structure with executive steering, defined workstreams, and weekly cadence to unblock issues quickly.
Parallel execution model: Ran integration planning and execution concurrently, recognizing that speed outweighed perfections given the distressed context.
Risk forward management: Maintained an active risk and issue register focused on legal exposure, data gaps, and operational dependencies inherited from the bankrupt entity.
Lean integration mindset: Focused on “must have” capabilities first, deferring non-critical enhancements to post-stabilization phases.
The IMO served as the single source of truth for timelines, dependencies, and leadership reporting.
Implementation & Results
Within 90 days, the acquired assets were fully operationalized under the client’s ownership.
Key outcomes included:
Successful standalone launch: Core business functions (finance, operations, customer service, and supply chain) were stood up with defined processes and accountability.
Accelerated integration timeline: Completed full integration in three months - significantly faster than typical post-bankruptcy acquisitions.
Operational continuity preserved: Customer fulfillment and supplier relationships were maintained with minimal disruption despite limited historical data.
Improved visibility and control: Established standardized reporting, governance rhythms, and performance tracking that did not previously exist.
Foundation for growth: Positioned the business for stabilization and future scale by transitioning from crisis response to structured operations.
The IMO model enabled disciplined execution under extreme time and information constraints, allowing the client to protect value and move quickly from acquisition to operational control.