Published
2025-04-11
Section
Articles
How to Cite
Analyzing blackmores' merger with kirin holdings
Rong Pei
The Australian National University
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/paat.v7i1.9448
Keywords: Change management; McKinsey’s 7-S framework; ADKAR model; Cultural differences
Abstract
The acquisition of Blackmores by Kirin presents a unique opportunity for both companies to leverage their strengths and expand their global influence. However, the transition poses several challenges, including cultural differences between the two countries, the need to preserve Blackmores’ identity during integration, and managing employee resistance to change. This essay explores the potential challenges that may arise during the merger and examines possible change management tools, such as McKinsey’s 7-S Framework and the ADKAR Model, to address these issues effectively.
References
[1] Green, E. (2023, April 27). Kirin to expand health footprint with plans to acquire Australian vitamin giant Blackmores. https:/www.foodingredientsfirst.com/news/kirin-to-expand-health-footprint-with-plans-toacquire-australian-vitamin-giant-blackmores.html
[2] Kirin Holdings Company. (2025). Long-term management vision and medium-term business plan. https://www.kirinholdings.com/en/purpose/management_plan/
[3] Kirin Holdings Company. (2023, April 27). Notice regarding agreement to acquire shares (acquisition of ownership) of Australian natural health company Blackmores limited. https://pdf.irpocket.com/C2503/bU43/LIud/BV9p.pdf
[4] Blackmores. (2025). Heritage & History. https://www.blackmores.com.au/about-us/company-information/heritage-and-timeline
[5] Blackmores. (2023, April 27). ASX announcement Blackmores enters into scheme implementationdeed with Kirin. https://www.blackmoresinstitute.org/au/home/about-us/investor-centre/-/media/ab2b3087f5b540109a4e808ac51829d5.ashx?h=16&thn=1&w=16&hash=B6865BBF8D18963531DAA79D DFB66041A6E783E4#:~:text=Blackmores%20Limited%20(ASX%3A%20BKL),scheme%20of%20arrangement%20(Scheme)
[6] Michela, J. L., & Vena, J. (2012). A dependence-regulation account of psychological distancing in response to major organizational change. Journal of Change Management, 12(1), 77-94. https://doi.org/10.1080/14697017.2011.652376
[7] Kirin Holdings. (2024, May 31). Lead the growth of the Health Science business by growing revenue in each country and promoting the Kirin Group’s initiatives in creating added value. https://www.kirinholdings.com/en/domains/health_science/blackmores
[8] Dempsey, M., Geitner, L., Brennan, A., & McAvoy, J. (2021). A review of the success and failure factors for change management. IEEE Engineering Management Review, 50(1), 85-93. https://doi.org/10.1109/EMR.2021.3130989
[9] Carnall, C. A. (2007). Managing change in organizations (5th ed.). Prentice Hall.
[10] Chmielewska, M., Stokwiszewski, J., Markowska, J., & Hermanowski, T. (2022). Evaluating organizational performance of public hospitals using the McKinsey 7-S framework. BMC Health Services Research, 22, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-021-07402-3
[11] Antoniades, N., Constantinou, C., Allayioti, M., & Biska, A. (2022). Lasting political change performance: Knowledge, awareness, and reinforcement (KARe). SN Business & Economics, 2(2), 14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43546-021-00196-w