Due diligence support to aid smooth acquisition
Case Study
The Situation
This award-winning creative agency had grown its offering across digital, print, and in-store media. To support its next phase of growth, the agency made the strategic decision to acquire a production business — enabling them to bring in-house the manufacturing capability for store displays and promotional installations.
This marked a significant shift in their workforce profile. Their existing team consisted largely of creative professionals and designers on monthly salaries. By contrast, the acquired business included:
- Hourly paid factory workers on shift patterns
- Team members with limited English proficiency
- A different management and HR culture
Recognising the potential complexity, the client wanted to ensure a thorough understanding of employment risk and workforce implications before completing the acquisition.
Overview
Client
Creative & Retail Marketing Agency
Industry
Marketing / Retail Design / Production
Services Provided
HR due diligence, risk analysis, and integration support during acquisition.
Duration
Short-term advisory project
Team Deployed
1 Senior Consultant
The Challenge
This wasn’t just a case of reviewing contracts!
The client needed to:
- Identify hidden HR risks in an unfamiliar employment model
- Understand the cultural and operational gap between the existing business and the one being acquired
- Plan for a smooth integration of new employees, many of whom would require different support and communication approaches
- Avoid surprises that could impact cost, risk, or reputation post-acquisition
The client’s internal team had never run an acquisition of this type before — and needed an experienced, calm and commercially-minded HR partner to guide them.
Our Solution
We deployed a Senior Consultant to provide bespoke support throughout the process — acting as a strategic sounding board and diligence lead.
Our support included:
- Supporting the initial employee communications strategy, including tone, clarity, and delivery method
- Advising on the HR and employee data to request from the seller
- Conducting a risk and compliance analysis across contracts, shift patterns, right to work, policies, and working conditions
- Highlighting areas of potential concern (e.g. undocumented practices, language barriers, unclear overtime agreements)
- Providing integration planning advice, including how to engage new teams respectfully and effectively
The Outcome
The acquisition was completed without issue. Our analysis gave the client a clear picture of what they were taking on, along with guidance on how to support the new team. The workforce was integrated smoothly, and no unexpected risks or issues emerged post-transfer.
Why It Worked
Pragmatic advice tailored to a business unfamiliar with factory employment models
Thorough analysis, without overwhelming the client with legalese or process
Early clarity, helping leadership make confident, informed decisions
A trusted advisor who could flex between due diligence detail and strategic counsel
What You Get With Us
HR Capacity
Scalable delivery teams that expand your HR function when demand peaks.
HR Expertise
Practitioners who specialise in restructures, TUPE, and acquisitions – delivering what’s needed, when it’s needed.
Trusted Execution
Every consultation, document, and deadline managed professionally, compliantly, and with care.
Clarity first. Then execution.
Sometimes the hardest part is figuring out where to start. We’ll help you build a plan that’s credible, deliverable, and right for your business – then, if you want, we’ll help you make it happen.
