PLF Law Firm participated in AusCham workshop on labor challenges in M&A and corporate restructuring

On April 22, 2025, Mr. Vinh Tran, Partner at PLF, attended the AusCham’s workshop titled “Labor Challenges in M&A & Corporate Restructuring: Adaptive Solutions Amid Downsizing”. The event was held offline at Sonatus Building, 15 Le Thanh Ton, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. 

Organized by The Australian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AusCham), the workshop attracted a diverse group of professionals, including lawyers, HR leaders, corporate managers, and consultants. It provided an open forum to explore legal risks, employment trends, and adaptive solutions to help organizations restructure more effectively and retain essential talent. 

Key Takeaways from the Event:

The session featured experienced speakers from leading international law firms and HR consultancies, who shared legal interpretations and practical guidance surrounding labor issues in M&A and corporate downsizing in Vietnam. 

Among the notable points discussed by Ms. Hanh, Baker McKenzie: 

• On compliance during acquisition: “Vietnam is extremely employee protective. Termination of employment is highly regulated and extremely risky.”  
• On labor obligations in asset deals: “If the deal is an asset deal, it’s a whole different game. You can cherry-pick employees, but that also means you don’t automatically inherit labor obligations.”  
• On the challenge of termination: “Vietnam ranks in the top three toughest countries in Asia-Pacific for employers when it comes to termination.”  
• On the internal restructuring and employee communication: “You must develop a consistent approach when downsizing-work closely with HR and the trade union to avoid disputes.” 
• On workforce transition strategies: “Whether you’re buying people or just assets will define your approach. If you want the team, you must be ready with retention plans.” 

These insights reflect the complexity of Vietnam’s labor law environment and underscore the importance of careful legal planning and communication throughout any organizational change. 

As a guest participant, Mr. Vinh Tran attended the workshop to gather insights and stay up to date with the latest legal interpretations and market practices. He also had the opportunity to network with fellow professionals and discuss shared challenges faced by companies undergoing workforce transformation. 

At PLF Law Firm

We understand that legal issues in M&A and downsizing are not just regulatory- they are strategic and human. By participating in these forums, we remain committed to providing our clients with well-informed, practical, and forward-looking legal solutions. 

Stay connected with us as we continue to support businesses through Vietnam’s evolving legal and labor landscape. 

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