Each party needs its own structures to manage the relationship internally and externally. The strategic checklist can help in evaluating the alliance and keeping it on the right track. Give considerable attention to control issues, although any time you enter into an alliance you will give up some measure of control. It is also important to limit potential competition between the parties. The risk of an ally becoming a competitor is a serious problem that may not be satisfactorily resolved through contractual provisions no matter how tightly drawn.
Nothing is more important to the success of the venture.
Finally, the parties should build-in mutual disengagement provisions. Designing the exit strategy for the strategic alliance at the outset is no easy task, but may ease the strain of the inevitable separation and hopefully minimize the pain. All rights reserved.