(MTO) Multi-Tier Organisation Framework

Client Overview 

As part of a planned merger between two major UK telecom companies, our client defined a Multi-Tier Organisation (MTO) Framework. This framework aimed to make collaboration easier and ensure both companies could securely access shared business assets and applications. A strong organisational and security structure was essential to handle the merger’s complexity and enable smooth, efficient integration.

The Challenge 

During the integration process, several challenges emerged, particularly across the security architecture and organisational alignment.

What were the main challenges?

· Different security architectures between the companies.

· Unclear roles and responsibilities during the post-merger onboarding process.

· Uncertainty on how the merger impacted security within the current operating model.

· Lack of visibility on how the security landscape would affect business stakeholders and the complexity of aligning security controls.

The Goal 

The goal was to define a Multi-Tier Organisation (MTO) Framework that redefined the security architecture within the context of the merger. This framework aimed to provide:

· Clear visibility into the impacts of the merger in terms of processes, controls, and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

· A defined structure for adapting security measures to the new organisational landscape while ensuring a smooth transition.

The Solution

Recenso Services played a key role in helping the client address these challenges by developing and implementing the following solutions:

· Establishing a Cybersecurity Trust Model to enable secure data sharing.

· Redefining the Security Architecture to align with the post-merger landscape.

· Conducting a Gap Analysis to identify steps to align security controls.

· Updating Security Controls to fit the new MTO framework.

·Documenting trust relationship of processes and technical controls to ensure secure and efficient collaboration between the merged entities.

The Benefit

The implementation of the MTO Framework provided our client with significant benefits, enabling them to:

· Identify Impacted Security Controls: The client was able to identify which security controls were impacted by the merger and develop a clear plan for how to adapt them under the management of the merged partner. This allowed for the quantification of the implementation phase in terms of timeline, complexity, and TCO.

· Prepare for Future RFP Processes: The redesigned security architecture was structured to serve as a strong input for potential future Request for Proposals (RFPs), enabling the company to approach future projects with a solid security foundation.

· Reusable Framework for M&A Programs: The MTO framework was designed to be reusable for future mergers and acquisitions, enabling the client to quickly adapt to new business contexts while ensuring security and organisational coherence.

Key Takeaways

This case study shows why smart planning before a merger is key for companies with complex security needs. By defining the MTO framework, our client was able to:

· Align security controls and processes both before and after the merger.

· Build a clear organisational structure for better teamwork and decisions.

· Reduce risks tied to security and integration.

The framework not only solved immediate challenges but also set the stage for future mergers, proving the power of strategic planning and flexibility in complex business environments.