Review Future Plans and Exert Influence
Sales and Investor Processes
We support works councils and unions during sales and investment processes, review business plans, and lay the groundwork for representing employees’ interests early on and with a clear, independent position.
Gaining clarity early on
Gaining direction during a sensitive phase
Whether a business is being sold, an investor is coming on board, a carve-out is planned or the company is becoming part of a joint venture, developments of this kind can fundamentally reshape its future. We help works councils and trade unions understand the underlying business plans, identify the potential implications for employees and engage in the process with a well-informed position of their own.
Sale and investment processes often move quickly and under considerable time pressure. At the same time, much of the information may be confidential, incomplete or initially difficult for the works council to assess. It may still be unclear who the potential investor will be, what the future business model will look like and what changes are being planned.
Seeking advice at an early stage provides valuable time to gather information, resolve outstanding questions and understand the full implications of the proposed transaction. This enables the works council to exercise its participation rights effectively and develop its own position before key decisions have already been made.
Reviewing concepts, assumptions and risks
Does the proposed plan have a viable economic future?
We analyse the available sale, investment and financing proposals and examine the assumptions on which they are based. This includes reviewing business plans, investment commitments, and workforce and site planning. We assess whether the individual elements form a coherent whole, identify the opportunities and risks involved, and determine whether the proposed approach appears financially and commercially viable.
When a business unit is being carved out, for example, it is essential to distinguish clearly between the current situation and the proposed future company. Which functions and structures will remain in place? Which will need to be established from scratch? And are the resources provided sufficient to put the new company on a sound footing for long-term success?
Where information is missing or assumptions remain unclear, we identify the questions that need to be addressed and seek clarification in discussions with the employer. We regularly discuss our findings with the works council, drawing on its first-hand knowledge of the company and its operational processes.
Understanding the impact on employees
Keeping employment, sites and working conditions in focus
A commercially sound concept does not necessarily reveal what the proposed changes will mean for employees. We therefore assess how these changes could affect jobs, sites and operational processes. We also consider whether roles and responsibilities may change, whether new skills will be required, and whether adjustments to pay, working hours or other employment conditions are likely.
We assess the plans objectively and communicate difficult findings openly. Where a proposal makes sound business sense, we say so – just as clearly as we highlight weaknesses and risks. Our aim remains to safeguard jobs and sites and to develop sustainable prospects for the workforce.
Developing your own position and alternatives
Actively shaping the process going forward
Our analysis is designed to do more than simply inform the works council about the proposed plans. It provides a sound basis for assessing investors and proposals, defining the works council’s own criteria and demands, and developing alternatives.
Throughout the project, we work closely with the works council. We present our findings in a clear, structured format, advise on the next steps and support preparations for discussions and negotiations. If required, we also support the works council during these meetings.
Monitoring developments after the project
Monitoring whether commitments and plans are implemented
Our support can continue beyond the sale or investment decision. Where required, we work with the works council to establish a suitable framework for monitoring subsequent developments. This includes tracking key financial and business indicators, as well as agreed investments and planned measures.
This enables the works council to assess whether the project is progressing as planned, commitments are being honoured and new risks to jobs or sites are emerging. If action is required, the works council can respond at an early stage.
Is your company facing a sale, an investor process or a major investment decision? Get in touch with us.
