Why should financial targets be assigned to managers after an acquisition?

Assigning financial targets to managers after an acquisition is essential for ensuring accountability for financial performance. This practice establishes clear expectations for how acquired entities should contribute to the overall financial health of the organization. By setting specific financial goals, managers are held responsible for meeting these targets, which promotes a sense of ownership and motivates them to drive performance towards achieving the strategic objectives of the new entity. This accountability is critical in assessing the success of the acquisition and helps identify areas needing improvement or adjustment.

For instance, without defined targets, it would be challenging to gauge how effectively the integration of the acquired company is progressing or to measure its impact on the parent company's financial results. Financial targets serve as benchmarks, enabling management to evaluate performance and make informed decisions moving forward.