Bank merger strategic communications
My client required support to develop and implement a strategic communication strategy to support their merger with another customer-owned bank. They needed someone who understood the history and uniqueness of their audience in Geelong. 
What we delivered
Lumerna Advisory delivered three strategic communication strategies to support each stage of the merger from announcement and due diligence through to approvals, member vote and transition. We became an integral part of the project team, providing communication and reputation advice to the interim CEO, meeting regularly with both banks and reporting on progress to the Board's merger subcommittee.
From August 2025 to May 2026, we supplied communications for a range of channels including member EDMs, website updates, FAQs, social media messaging and branch posters.
Outcome
The highlight was supporting the bank to achieve 96% of member support at its Special General Meeting in March 2026. The member vote followed a targeted and strategic member consultation program from August to March that included regular member EDMs, member drop-in sessions, opportunities to meet the new CEO, a member information document and a summary booklet. Strategies included targeted outreach with former bank directors and opinion leaders, ensuring the customer service team was well-informed and escalating member enquiries to the CEO.