HR Innovation - Fall 2012

11/04/2012 by Human resource services

Business trends such as globalization and convergence in industries such as healthcare are speeding the pace of transactions, even as the deals themselves are reshaping individual companies and entire industries. Viewing these deals through an HR lens will increase the likelihood that they will deliver. To attain such high-value insight, you’ll need thorough preparation and planning.

An HR sensibility can inform negotiations and other aspects of the transaction with data and analysis that bring clarity to the many questions that can arise in the heated transaction arena:

Who should fill strategic positions? Who should be retained or transferred? How will overtime and other employment laws affect overseas operations? Which party will support payroll and the human resources information system? What retirement benefit obligations will carry over? Who will fund bonus payments? Will this trigger tax obligations? How will you keep top executives from walking away? How will you structure HR in a merged or divested company?

In this issue of HR Innovation, we delve into what it takes to answer these questions and to realize the potential value of mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, and other deals. We hope you’ll enjoy gaining the insights offered in these articles:

  • Don’t get done in by a done deal: Avoid postdeal pitfalls by managing HR complexities
  • Transactions, change, and talent: Managing talent as deals and outside influences reshape the healthcare industry
  • Employment considerations behind the Great Wall: Thinking of checking out China? Labor and talent challenges you should know before you go
  • Divulge with diligence before you divest: Know your HR metrics to make the most of the deal

From diligence to close to Day 1 to future state, the transaction landscape can be filled with obstacles both overt and hidden. But with the right tools and preparation, you can navigate the maze of critical talent-based decisions that can support deal success, shorten the time to close, and boost value.