Employment and HR considerations can significantly affect the structure, timing and successful implementation of M&A transactions. This session will explore key employment issues arising at different stages of the deal process, from structuring and due diligence through signing and closing. Bringing together employment, M&A and competition law perspectives, the panel will examine transaction-critical issues including employee consultation and representation, key employee retention, data protection and AI in due diligence, interim operating restrictions, restrictive covenants and cross-border coordination. Through a practical and interactive discussion, the session will highlight how early coordination between different legal disciplines can help identify risks, avoid delays and ultimately get the deal right.