Mar 20, 2025
"Integration without mishaps is not a given." Milan Sameš, CEO of the largest Czech IT group Aricoma with a turnover of 10 billion crowns, shares in the podcast the behind-the-scenes of an aggressive growth strategy based on acquisitions and the ability to align different corporate cultures into one functional whole. In seven years, Aricoma has managed to acquire eight companies, and Sameš proudly states: "We haven't managed to create a proper mishap."
Listen to the interview on YouTube:
What is the recipe for successful integration? According to Sameš, openness, honesty, and time are key. The management of the acquired companies remains in play – Aricoma does not have other managers hidden away in a basement in Vinohrady – and counts on their involvement to ensure continuity and growth. "Has anyone slammed a door? That hasn’t happened to us yet," says Sameš, adding that he approaches those who do not want to accept the rules with respect.
Sameš describes Aricoma's corporate culture as open and pragmatic. Business decides, and the structure adapts to it, not the other way around. What does Sameš not tolerate? Lies and "corporate nonsense" – that is, people who excel in presentations but forget about working with customers. There is no place for them in Aricoma.
The podcast also features Sameš's views on working in corporations where he previously worked (e.g., Oracle). He appreciates their standards but refuses to adopt their internal politicking and insensitivity to people in the field. In Aricoma, on the contrary, he emphasizes that "even the CEO is here thanks to the work of programmers and analysts."
What else will you find answers to in the podcast?
How to recognize that the acquired company has "embellished" itself?
Why is the existing management of the companies important to him?
Why are finances integrated right away, but business is done last?
Why does Sameš hate the term "work-life balance"?
What are his KPIs and how does he define growth without "rocket science"?
The podcast is an inspiration for everyone who wants to understand what business growth looks like without unnecessary words, but with results. Openly, without pretense – on the edge of a knife.