Organisations are operating in a new M&A environment — one that is much more uncertain and continually evolving. But fundamental principles on reducing uncertainty remain intact. As such, PwC’s Global People in Deals practice has adapted its diligence efforts to reflect this new world. For example, workforce changes, benefits adjustments, and future organisation design all need to be taken into account when looking at potential acquisition targets. At PwC, we support our clients in buying and selling businesses by combining our full range of specialised industry knowledge with our deal experience.
As the deals environment continues to evolve, many organisations may look to acquisitions to find the right talent, technology and ideas to drive innovation and power-up growth.
PwC’s People in Deals build tailored people and organisation solutions to help clients achieve their strategic ambitions - reflecting their uniqueness but also grounded in rigorous analysis and data-driven insight - to create lasting, differentiated value.
We bring together a combination of industry, business, strategy, talent, HR, analytics and technology expertise with more than 7,500 people in 117 countries. That means you can get a team with the right skills and experience wherever you need around the world to help you deliver the value you’re looking for – from people strategy through organisational execution.
“Mergers and acquisitions are key strategic tools that enable organisations to stay ahead in today's complex and highly competitive global market.”
Mischa Borst, People in Deals Co-leader, Partner &
Sarah Tunku Mu’tamir, People in Deals Co-leader, Partner
Are you retaining the key talent of a target organisation? In many cases before or following a deal, key talent can decide to leave before the Buyer has time to identify them. PwC’s 2023 M&A integration survey found a decrease in respondents reporting “significant success” around employee retention, dropping from 56% in 2010 to 41% in 2022. When an intentional plan is not in place and employees do not understand the future vision of the Buyer, retention of key talent can be a challenge.
PwC’s People in Deals professionals work with clients on a full range of transactions, including: acquisitions, divestitures, business restructuring and capital events such as an IPO. They can drive value for clients across the entire transaction cycle:
Our People in Deals professionals help you identify HR issues that affect value. We work to establish and understand critical HR and workforce issues early in the transaction, identify their relevance and enable appropriate protections to be built into documentation. We focus on the Quality of Earnings (Income Statement) and Quality of Assets (Balance Sheet) adjustments which impact the financial proposition underlying the transaction and enable appropriate protections to be built into transaction documentation. We can also provide early insight into culture and other challenges that may pose a threat to realising value.
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Processes, tools and strategies for optimal post-transaction integration, from PwC's deals specialists.
Sarah Moore
People and Organisation Market Leader, Partner, PwC United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 77 3460 7421
