HR lawyers’ role in a successful global merger : Firms need to get a grip on the legal realities of cross-border operation

Purpose – This paper aims to present a case study outlining the importance of getting a grip on the regulatory realities of cross-border mergers. Design/methodology/approach – The paper examines the help that Ius Laboris, a specialist international human resources (HR) law firm alliance, was able to give in the merger of a major multinational fashion company based in Italy and a French firm. Findings – The paper charts the way in which the law firm’s experts, with their detailed local knowledge, were able to help in ensuring that the merger went ahead smoothly. Practical implications – The paper reveals that all the processes carried out across the world were under the control of a restricted number of people in Italy, near the headquarters of the company. Local branches, often with no administrative back-up, were not required to search for local consultants and lawyers. Social implications – The paper highlights some of the legal complications of cross-border mergers and ways in which to overcome them. Originality/value – Reveals how important it is for HR to be aware of the cross-border vision and to have ready access to legal and regulatory expertise that can be relied upon whenever required.