Divestitures are accelerating across industries as companies reshape portfolios, unlock capital and pursue strategic growth. Yet while the financial and legal mechanics of a carve-out are well understood, the human and operational complexities are often underestimated, leading to delays, extended Transition Service Agreements (TSAs) and erosion of deal value.
At WTW, we’ve developed Divestitures in a Box (DIAB), a one-stop, pre-packaged HR solution that’s globally scalable and designed to support both buyers and sellers. DIAB addresses the people and operational complexities of divestitures head-on, enabling organizations to divest with speed, precision and confidence while ensuring seamless employment transitions and minimizing risk.
WTW is the first mover in turnkey HR carve-out solutions, trusted by leading organizations worldwide. Our globally integrated vendor ecosystem and cross-line-of-business expertise ensure every aspect of your carve-out is coordinated, from payroll and benefits to organizational design and employee experience. We don’t just provide tools, we bring relationships, insight and execution at deal speed.
Why DIAB?
Divestitures present unique challenges that differ significantly from acquisitions. DIAB addresses these challenges by:
- Accelerating HR readiness for Day 1
- Reducing reliance on Transition Services Agreements (TSAs)
- Ensuring comparable benefits and compensation structures
- Enhancing employee experience during transitions
- Streamlining vendor selection and contracting
- Delivering cost-effectiveness, speed and time efficiency through a fully integrated solution
- With support in over 140 countries, DIAB ensures local compliance and cultural alignment
Benefits of DIAB
- Speed: Accelerates deal closure and cash receipt
- Consistency: Standardized HR models and repeatable processes
- Cost efficiency: Leverages pooled arrangements and avoids "throwaway" work
- Reduced distraction: Frees up HR teams to focus on strategic priorities
- Comprehensive coverage: All HR elements included in one pre-packaged solution
Key features of DIAB
Menu of services
DIAB includes a suite of curated HR services, including highly personalized WTW consulting and a carefully selected panel of HR technology vendors, optimizing on HR administration and achieve efficiencies.
Full Day 1 readiness
DIAB facilitates full HR operational readiness from Day 1, minimizing execution risk and enabling smooth transitions.
Talent and employee experience focus
The solution prioritizes the divested group experience to create positive employee outcomes.
Shortened Implementation timelines
Typical implementation timelines are 20 weeks or less, depending on deal specifics.
60%of divestitures underperform due to poor operational readiness
69%of failed carve-outs cite incomplete people operations
17%of companies feel "highly prepared" for HR carve-outs — a strikingly small proportion*
* Source: Bain & Company’s 2025 Global Private Equity Report.
Divestitures: Why the people side makes or breaks the deal
DIAB process and framework
- Discovery and strategy: Develop guiding principles, identify negotiating positions and build HR domain playbooks.
- Design: Select the services that you'll need support with. You can choose from a range of WTW HR services designed to tackle benefits, compensation, organization design, etc. and a host of external HR services including HRIS/Payroll, PEO/EOR, Benefits administration, and more!
- Delivery: WTW works carefully to tailor our solution to your needs. You'll receive dedicated support from our team and our vendor partners, so you can go through the divestiture process hassle-free.
Simplify divestitures. Accelerate value. Scale with confidence.
Download the one‑page playbook and divest with confidence.
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