Post-Merger IT Integration for Planet Payment

Introduction

Planet Payment, a fast-growing global payments technology provider, embarked on a complex post-merger integration programme after acquiring four European entities. Each business operated independently, with distinct IT systems, vendors, and regulatory obligations.

To unify the new acquisitions under a cohesive technology platform, Planet engaged Saros Consulting to lead the integration programme. The scope covered infrastructure harmonisation, vendor rationalisation, transitional service agreements, and operational continuity.

Solution – Simple

Saros Consulting deployed a senior programme manager to lead discovery workshops, engage executive sponsors, and align priorities across the acquired entities. Early governance was established through RAID tracking, stakeholder mapping, and a robust communications framework.

A strategic playbook was developed to define integration methodology, vendor engagement models, and transitional service agreement structures. These foundations provided clarity and momentum from the outset.

Solution – Complex

A full delivery team was mobilised, including a programme manager, project manager, project coordinator, and business analysts. Together, they orchestrated the integration of infrastructure, applications, and compliance artefacts across the four organisations.

Business Analysts conducted requirements-gathering workshops, reviewed statements of work, and validated both technical and business needs. They also supported design reviews to ensure compatibility and operational stability.

Project Managers oversaw resource planning, delivery milestones, and vendor accountability.

The Project Coordinator managed day-to-day communication, task tracking, and documentation across multiple time zones.

In parallel, Saros advised on organisational change management, equipping internal teams for go-live and handover into business as usual. Throughout the programme, steering forums and executive reporting ensured transparency and alignment at every stage.

Results

Planet Payment successfully integrated all acquired entities, achieving a unified infrastructure and vendor framework while maintaining full service continuity.

Key deliverables included negotiated transitional service agreements, comprehensive risk logs, integration plans, and closure reports. Saros Consulting’s leadership provided Planet with a repeatable blueprint for future post-merger activities, enabling accelerated growth through acquisition.

Saros Responsibilities

• Programme leadership and stakeholder engagement
• Vendor coordination and transitional service agreement management
• Business analysis and requirement validation
• Change management and executive reporting

Saros Deliverables

• RAID registers and integration playbook
• Transitional service agreements and closure documentation
• Project plans and delivery trackers
• Meeting artefacts and decision registers
• Business process and application integration frameworks