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In a merger, two companies are combined. In an acquisition (takeover), one company purchases all of or a majority interest in another company and takes control of its operations. Where does technical writing fit into this picture? To find out, I interviewed a vice president—we'll call him Richard Stone—at an investment banking company that manages mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures for the private middle market.
By talking to Richard, I came to understand his firm's business model as follows. The sales process is initiated through seminars that show potential clients how to get the best valuation for their companies. An internally developed software system is used to schedule the seminars, book prospective clients and make their travel reservations, and manage billing. When a sale is made, the client company is thoroughly analyzed and a company valuation document is prepared. Additionally, the client may purchase marketing services to find potential buyers.
Richard acknowledged that his firm employs writers in several capacities, but did not feel comfortable categorizing all of them as technical writers. He expressed the opinion that technical writers develop system and software documentation, and business writers have specialized financial knowledge along with general writing skills. My research indicates that other companies use the title business analyst or financial analyst to describe business writing.
According to Richard, contract technical writers document his firm's software booking system, and they write marketing communication materials. Technical editors support the writers with editing, rewriting, and proofreading to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to style guidelines. It wouldn't surprise me at all if the career path for technical editors at this M&A firm includes advancement to the position of business or technical writer!