Transition smoothly
Most of the value destroyed in acquisitions happens in the first 100 days — usually because the new owner moved too fast or too slow on the people, the customers, or the cash.
What this step covers
- 30-60-90 day plan: who you keep, what you change, what you hold.
- Customer and supplier comms: protect the top 20% of revenue from disruption.
- Working-capital and banking transition without breaking the cash cycle.
The detail
Your first-100-days plan
| Phase | Days | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Listen | 1–30 | Top 20 customers, all key staff, all major suppliers. Change nothing structural. |
| Stabilise | 31–60 | Banking, signatories, statutory filings, cash forecast, quick wins on costs. |
| Set direction | 61–100 | 90-day plan, dashboard, new operating rhythm, first 'this is how we work now' decisions. |
What customers and staff need from you in week 1
- A clear story: who you are, why you bought, what stays the same.
- Continuity guarantees: same product, same prices, same contact points (where true).
- Visible respect for the seller and the legacy — don't trash the previous regime.
Mass-firing 'overhead' before you understand the business. Renegotiating supplier terms in week one. Re-pricing without notice. All look smart in a spreadsheet, all blow up the business in practice.
Frequently asked
When can I start making changes?+
Quick wins (clear waste, obvious process fixes) in week 2–4. Strategic changes (pricing, product mix, structure) only after day 60.
How do I handle staff who were loyal to the old owner?+
Most stay if you communicate clearly, treat them with respect, and protect their roles for the first 90 days. Aggressive change loses your most valuable institutional memory.
The information in this guide is provided for general guidance only and is subject to change. Fees, timelines, and regulatory requirements in Kenya are updated regularly. Before acting, please confirm details with the relevant authority (KRA, eCitizen, BRS, county government, or other regulator) or speak with a qualified MyBiashara advisor. MyBiashara is not liable for decisions made solely on the basis of this content.
