Are M&As an opportunity for HR to join the top table? The case of Sanofi’s emerging international strategy
ISSN: 1475-4398
Article publication date: 11 April 2021
Issue publication date: 13 July 2021
Abstract
Purpose
One of major preoccupations of human resources (HR) in recent times has been the challenge of proving its value at the “top table.” Mergers and acquisitions (M&As) may offer one potential solution to this problem. M&As are renowned for the key management problems they generate such as diminished employee engagement and morale and increased staff turnover. However, such challenges also offer opportunities. This paper aims to argue that the recent wave of acquisitions in the pharmaceutical industry present HR with the possibility to demonstrate its real strategic value.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper offers an insider–outsider approach to the role of HR in M&As in the pharmaceutical industry. Based on an in-depth study of Sanofi’s emerging M&A strategy, it gives key insights into the reasons for multiple acquisitions and how HR can have a positive impact on value creation.
Findings
The findings demonstrate that the repeated acquisitions of US-based biotech companies made by the French pharmaceutical group Sanofi over the past five years is more than just a coincidence. Rather, it is an unstated strategy to develop within this market. HR can aid senior management in overcoming some of the major cultural challenges, thus demonstrating its real strategic value.
Originality/value
This paper clearly shows how following a specific emerging international strategy of M&As can empower a company through its human resources.
Keywords
Citation
Bruneau de la Salle, M. and Thomas, M. (2021), "Are M&As an opportunity for HR to join the top table? The case of Sanofi’s emerging international strategy", Strategic HR Review, Vol. 20 No. 2, pp. 66-70. https://doi.org/10.1108/SHR-01-2021-0007
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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