OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill., June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The smooth integration of two IT teams can have a direct impact on the success of a merger or acquisition. This timely new event focuses on new approaches to bridge the cultural gaps between teams and how to prepare the IT organization for acquisition or merger.

Sponsored by software development firm, Geneca, the two-hour event features a panel of technology leaders to discuss why some newly combined IT teams rally and others fail. Special attention is paid to issues not typically brought to the surface in a due diligence.

Titled: "IT Post Merger Integration: What Due Diligence Won't Tell," the workshop will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2008, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the Metropolitan Club in Chicago. Breakfast will be served and there is no cost for the event.

"We found that in post-merger situations, IT 'cultural integration' is often an afterthought even though IT groups are highly cultural," states Geneca VP of Delivery, Bob Zimmerman. "Although often overlooked, IT culture and 'soft' metrics play a vital role in the new team's ability to quickly deliver on the business success criteria of the new company."

Topics covered by the panel will cover include: -- Uncovering cultural issues in due diligence -- Gaining executive alignment (both sides) for the integration plan -- Preparing the IT organization for acquisition or merger integration -- Methods for creating a common culture -- Developing common metrics and methodologies -- Aligning roles and responsibilities -- Navigating the cultural landmines inherent in global integration

Panel members include: Dave Kamath, CIO, Idex Corporation; Bob Zimmerman, VP of Delivery, Geneca; Lonnie Jenkins, Services BG IT Partner Director, Alcatel-Lucent; Sharon DeWitt, Director of Acquisitions, Zebra Technologies; and Mark Hendrie, North American IT Manager, ExLibris.

For more information on this event, contact Rachel.morgan@geneca.com, or go to http://www.geneca.com/.

CONTACT: Jessica Chipkin of Geneca, +1-630-599-0900

Web site: http://www.geneca.com/