Intellectual capital in mergers and acquisitions: a case study in a world-class financial institution

The objective of the research described in this paper was to analyse the implications of the merger between Itaú and Unibanco banks on the Intellectual Capital (IC) of the Itaú Unibanco S/A Bank. The methodology comprised a qualitative and quantitative case study, in a descriptive approach, based on interviews (formal and informal) and questionnaires applied to 225 top managers (directors, superintendents, regional managers and commercial general managers) originated from these two banks. The research was complemented with direct observation and documental analysis. The following results were found after the merger: (i) improvements were noted in all analysed indicators on the constituent elements of the IC (human capital, structural capital and relational capital), (ii) Itaú Unibanco S/A Bank created, developed and acquired knowledge and know-how, and (iii) these factors influenced corporative IC, supporting improvements in processes, systems, technology, brands, products and mainly in people, corporate image and the relationship of the company with the market, promoting significant financial results.