Bigger Is Not Always Better—Except For Most Of The Time

I’ve seen a number of mergers and acquisitions. I can’t say that the resulting “bigger” organization is always better. Bigger fails when there is no service line synergy, no marketing advantage, and no ability to streamline operations. Size does not help if there is no real operational integration, no consolidation of administrative overhead, and no coherent branding and marketing positioning. But, if done right, I would agree with Mark Mishek, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hazelden Betty Ford—growth is essential for specialty organization sustainability. Why? Because growth can fuel a provider organization’s ability to stand . . .