Business Acquisitions in the EU: Key HR Legal Considerations

March 2014

Mergers & Acquisition Telecommunications

Abstract

For a U.S. based Company, acquiring a business abroad is like taking a trip to the mythical Land of Oz. The one critical thing US counsel has to remember at all times is that when acquiring a Company abroad you cannot simply apply U.S. rules and law. You have to consider the local rules, laws and customs. Additionally, it is important to have good travel companions on your journey, in particularly the advice and direction of the Scarecrow (knowledgeable and trusted local counsel), the Lion (a fearless business leader with plenty of courage), and the Tin Man (an HR Manager with heart).

Authors

Len Segreti

Senior Corporate Counsel â€“ Labor, CenturyLink, USA

The author, Leonard Segreti, spent 16 years working in human resources before becoming qualified as an attorney approximately 20 years ago. He is currently Senior Corporate Counsel, for CenturyLink and has been involved in several acquistions in the EU. He holds a BA from St. John's Univeristy, a Masters Degree in Labor and Indsutrial Relations from the New York Institute of Technology, and a JD from the University of Denver College of Law. He is licensed to practice law in NY and CO

Darren Isaacs

Partner, GQ Employment Law, UK

My practice focuses on all aspects of UK ‘HR’ law/compensation & benefits, as well as European co-ordination and cross-border work. Most of my clients are US-based employers in the financial services sector. In 2012 I was awarded the International Law Office Client Choice Award for leading UK Counsel. Prior to this, I had also been ranked first in a survey of leading European M&A employment lawyers by mergermarket. I have practised in Australia, Hong Kong and the UK. Prior to joining GQ I worked at ‘Magic Circle’ firm Linklaters and was also the Head of UK Employment Law at US firm Bryan Cave.

Companies

CenturyLink

CenturyLink is a telecommunications service provider

GQ Employment Law

GQ is a different type of law firm - a premium boutique 100% focused on your needs and best interests that combines the quality and capability of leading "Big Law" firms with the dynamism and highly personalised service of a boutique. We resolve complex and high-value employment, LLP and partnership issues and disputes and our over-riding focus is to provide practical, user-friendly solutions to any people issue/dispute, tailored to your risk appetite and values. Our experienced, dynamic and entrepreneurial team (who have all worked in leading City firms/in-house roles) is recognised as a leader in its field by both Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, which comments on us as the “rising stars of the industry” and "they are fantastic and give you the Rolls-Royce service of a magic circle firm with the personable approach of a niche practice".

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