HR grows into strategic player in mergers and acquisitions

The
human resources function is now becoming more involved in company mergers and
acquisitions, according to a survey by Mercer Human Resource Consulting.

The
survey of 51 European companies found that more than two-thirds (67 per cent)
engage HR throughout the whole deal process, while almost a quarter (24 per
cent) enlist HR’s advice in the due diligence phase. Only 10 per cent of
companies wait until business integration to involve HR.

Peter
Wallum, European partner at Mercer, said: "Traditionally, companies have
involved HR in the integration stage of mergers and acquisitions when most
employee issues occur."

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But,
he added: "More employers now realise that staff are crucial to the
success of a deal, and they need to plan ahead so people issues are resolved
quickly. The earlier the HR function becomes involved, the more up to speed it
will be when business integration occurs."

By Quentin Reade