The best way to understand compatibility is to compare a business combination to a marriage. A long lasting and good marriage will be preceded by an effective exploration of each other during the dating period. Business combinations and marriages fail when the parties ignore or downplay compatibility conflicts. It is typical human nature to think that things will work out, so sticky topics are sometimes not discussed. The key is whether or not the owners will get along as partners, not socially. The business personality "fit" between owners is key. They need to be of similar mindset regarding their business philosophies, goals for the firm, when they want to retire and how the firm will be perpetuated, who should manage what based on the owners' best talents, etc. We know that if the owners get along well and there is harmony at the top, the employees will be much happier and things will click in the operation. Each owner in each firm should make a list of their own