In the high-stakes world of mergers and acquisitions, the success or failure of a deal often hinges on a factor that is frequently overlooked: people. This training course is meticulously designed to equip HR professionals and business leaders with the strategic frameworks and practical skills needed to navigate the complex human side of M&A. By mastering a systematic approach to HR due diligence, you can proactively identify risks, unlock synergies, and ensure a seamless integration that safeguards talent, culture, and long-term business value. This program provides the essential blueprint for a new generation of HR leaders prepared to be a strategic partner in driving successful M&A outcomes.

This comprehensive curriculum offers a practical deep dive into the entire M&A lifecycle from an HR perspective, from assessing organizational culture to managing legal compliance and communicating change. You will learn how to use a structured approach to due diligence, develop a robust integration plan, and lead with empathy during a period of intense uncertainty for employees. The course focuses on real-world case studies and hands-on exercises, helping you to build the skills necessary to coordinate with legal and financial teams and secure buy-in from senior leadership. By the end of this program, you will not only be proficient in M&A HR best practices but also be prepared to champion a human-centered approach to organizational change.

Duration

5 days

Target Audience

• HR directors and managers
• HR business partners
• M&A integration specialists
• Organizational development specialists
• Legal and compliance professionals
• Senior executives and operations managers
• Talent management and development leaders
• Employee relations specialists
• Business consultants specializing in M&A
• Anyone responsible for managing employees during a merger or acquisition

Objectives

• Understand the strategic role of HR throughout the M&A lifecycle.
• Master a comprehensive framework for HR due diligence.
• Conduct a thorough cultural assessment of both organizations.
• Develop a strategic plan for integrating people, processes, and systems.
• Navigate legal, regulatory, and compliance requirements in M&A.
• Communicate change effectively to minimize employee uncertainty and resistance.
• Build a total rewards strategy that aligns compensation and benefits.
• Retain key talent and manage a post-merger talent pipeline.
• Create a roadmap for a successful post-merger integration.

Course Modules

Module 1: The Foundations of HR in M&A

• The strategic link between HR and M&A success or failure.
• The M&A lifecycle and the role of HR in each phase.
• Identifying key risks and opportunities from a human capital perspective.
• The importance of a dedicated HR integration team.
• Case studies of successful and unsuccessful M&A integrations.

Module 2: HR Due Diligence

• A structured approach to HR due diligence.
• The key data points to collect and analyze (e.g., compensation, benefits, litigation).
• Identifying hidden liabilities and organizational risks.
• The importance of a red flag checklist.
• Using data to inform a due diligence report for leadership.

Module 3: Cultural Assessment and Integration

• The impact of organizational culture on M&A success.
• A framework for assessing and comparing corporate cultures.
• Designing a strategy for cultural integration.
• The importance of employee listening and engagement surveys.
• Building a new shared vision and values for the combined organization.

Module 4: Communication and Change Management

• The critical role of communication in a merger or acquisition.
• Developing a communication plan for internal and external stakeholders.
• Strategies for managing change and minimizing employee uncertainty.
• The importance of transparency, empathy, and consistency.
• Training managers to lead difficult conversations and support their teams.

Module 5: Legal and Regulatory Compliance

• Navigating employment law, labor unions, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Understanding pension plans, benefits, and legal compliance.
• The role of HR in ensuring a smooth transition for employees.
• The importance of a legal counsel and HR partnership.
• Best practices for handling layoffs and severance packages.

Module 6: Compensation and Benefits Integration

• A framework for aligning compensation and benefits philosophies.
• Identifying and addressing pay equity issues across organizations.
• The importance of a clear and consistent communication strategy.
• Developing a new total rewards package that is fair and competitive.
• The role of HR in managing a seamless benefits enrollment process.

Module 7: Post-Merger Talent Management

• Retaining key talent and high-performing employees.
• A framework for succession planning in the new organization.
• The importance of a clear and transparent career path for all employees.
• Developing a new performance management and review process.
• The role of HR in ensuring a fair and equitable promotion process.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.