Several choices are available to family firms when intergenerational succession is not an option. One alternative is to explore merger and acquisition (M&A) opportunities. This paper addresses two research questions: (a) What are the key differences between typical M&As and those involving a family firm? and (b) What are the key success factors for the post‐acquisition integration process, and what is the impact on this process when the acquired company is a family firm? Results from an acquired family firm case study suggest that these M&A processes differ along structure, motivation, and culture dimensions. The case study also suggests post‐acquisition considerations for M&As involving family firms.