Dear Stephen,
I'm a regional sales rep for a medium-sized office furniture manufacturer that was just acquired by another furniture manufacturer. I won't dare say anything about the product that we produce or about our specific location in the US because it will be a dead giveaway! The company that bought us is a larger company (but not one of the majors)... but that's all I'm going to say... They own a number of mid-sized manufacturing companies in a similar product space as ours. Here's what I'm writing you about:
I'm nervous about job security now that our company has been acquired, even though our brand will remain independent. So, that being said, how do you suggest I go about finding a new job?
Signed,
Worry Wart
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Dear WW,
Here's my prompt response to your question: Don't start looking for a new job!
This is a common question that I receive every time any company is bought or sold in the furniture business, and my answer remains the same: just because your company was acquired does not mean you're going to lose your job. Especially when you're bought by another manufacturer. There are many examples of companies being acquired both by other manufacturers as well as private equity where quality salespeople and sales leaders stay in place. That's because you guys are the individuals producing the revenue and you know the product and the customers better than anyone.
On the other hand, here are the people who might want to start looking for a new job... If you're in marketing or any department that's not revenue producing or customer facing (basically anything that can be easily combined with an existing department in the company that acquires your company)... You might be vulnerable.
Another way to look at it is if your function is not combinable or collapsible within a larger structure, then chances are your job is probably safe.
Typically, I find that strong sales leaders and individual producers are more valuable than ever when a company is acquired. Instead of spending your energy searching for a new job, you might want to spend it on learning the new culture and making yourself visible and helpful to the company that acquired you. If you take your eye off the ball, the new leadership will easily pick up on the people who aren't giving their best effort. Now that's an easy way to get fired!
So, don't panic and go looking for a new job just because your company was acquired — instead, focus on proving that you are an indispensable asset to your organization.
Signed,
Stephen