The Client Challenge
A growing middle-market behavioral health system was preparing for its largest acquisition to date — expanding into five new states, integrating multiple freestanding hospitals and welcoming hundreds of new team members. Leadership had a clear vision for this pivotal milestone: to broaden access to high-quality care while maintaining its strong foundation of cultural, operational and service alignment.
Transitions of this scale can be vulnerable periods for acquired organizations, often marked by revenue decline and increased employee turnover. It was essential that the communications strategy supporting the acquisition — from announcement through integration and beyond — reflect the depth of purpose behind the transaction and mitigate these risks. Consistent, transparent, two-way communication would be key to fostering trust, clarity and continuity across the organization.
The Solution
From early-stage negotiations through post-integration, the health system engaged Lovell Communications to provide communications strategy and anticipate barriers to success such as premature leaks, rumors, misinformation, uncoordinated release of information or regulatory hurdles.
Specifically, Lovell collaborated closely with leadership, partners, deal counsel and advisors to develop a comprehensive communications plan that evolved through each phase of the transaction. The strategy anticipated key milestones, communicated timely and necessary information, and actively solicited feedback to ensure alignment and responsiveness at every stage.
Core messages, communications materials and channels were thoughtfully tailored to each stakeholder group — ensuring a branded, personalized approach and delivering the right information to the right people at the right time.
The Lovell team implemented a comprehensive, multi-media strategy. Through video storytelling, social media outreach, internal newsletters, traditional media coverage, town hall meetings, branded landing pages and targeted training sessions, the client built trust, generated excitement and ensured consistent messaging throughout the process.
The Results
The transaction was well received internally and externally and was recognized as a strategic and culturally aligned move. The acquired organization experienced minimal attrition following the close — a testament to thoughtful planning, clear communication and shared vision.