Mergers and acquisitions transaction volume is increasing after a relatively slow 2016. But the structure of deals is changing. More deals have a cross-border element, even when two US companies combine. Employees are scattered globally; determining where value lies is harder. HR professionals should be part of the M&A conversation from the start. It’s no longer just a question of layoffs, compensation, and benefits. HR should help determine what roles are necessary to achieve the value proposition of the proposed combined firm. They should understand due diligence and budgeting, in addition to traditional staffing questions, to make the deal a success.