The client had just agreed to acquire a global technology business (it’s largest acquisition todate) but had no clear M and A methodology and a history of failing to integrate prior acquisitions.

I was brought in as M and A people lead but, in light of significant M and A experience gained at Oracle, ended up making a far wider contribution. A particular challenge was that the deal closing would have a maximum notice of 5 days plus the closing time would be 2am in the Philippines where a significant number of employees were located but there was no local employment infrastructure that could be used. Additionally, the client had no successful integration history.

Due diligence & integration planning including achieving uniform employment T’s & C’s.  Identification of critical talent & development of retention plans.  Ensuring the business operated after ”closing” as it was a carve-out with little business  infrastructure remaining. Project management of all people related integration deliverables, including establishing a payroll & employment structure for 300+ staff in the Philippines at very short notice.

Logistics: 9 month project – 60% Madrid, 30% home office, 10% other international locations

1. Obtained approval for an integration methodology (adopted as the future standard) & successfully executed it globally – required detailed project management of internal HR resources globally.
2. Contributed to the negotiation of a transition service agreement with the seller to ensure business continuity – influenced client to renegotiate securing a significant cost reduction.
3. Established an HR & payroll structure in the Philippines where none existed – additionally, I developed & secured approval for a retention plan which significantly reduced attrition and convinced senior leadership of the potential of the Manila site as low cost, English speaking customer service & development centre.
4. Partnered closely with Finance & identified a missed DB pension underpin in the Philippines and helped negotiate a settlement with the seller, plus a contribution to future stock option costs – a $1m+ financial contribution from the seller.
5. Built strong relationships with both the buyer (my client) & the seller, successfully acting as a ”bridge” when the relationships became strained at times.
6. Built & delivered 3 well received M&A training workshops to build future internal capability for the client.

• Acquisition due diligence research
• business analysis
• Business Cases
• Business Continuity
• Communications Planning
• delivery
• interim management
• People Integration
• Project Management