RGP Report Reveals 'Human Value Gap' as Key M&A Dealbreaker — Resources Connection, Inc. (RGP)

Event summary

RGP released a report on March 31, 2026 highlighting the 'Human Value Gap' in M&A deals.
81% of CFOs say intangible assets like culture and talent are critical to deal success, but only 18% believe their organizations effectively protect them.
74% report moderate to high leadership or critical talent turnover within the first year of an acquisition.
RGP's research is based on a survey of 120 CFOs and interviews with 15 CHROs from leading global enterprises.

The big picture

RGP's report challenges the traditional financial focus of M&A, highlighting a critical disconnect between recognized importance of people-driven value and structured approaches to manage it. In an era where acquisitions are driven by talent, innovation, and digital capability, organizations must prioritize human integration to sustain long-term deal value.

What we're watching

Integration Timelines: Whether organizations can adjust their success measurement timelines to account for the 5-7 years often needed for true cultural and organizational integration.
Talent Retention Strategies: How M&A leaders will develop structured approaches to manage human capital aspects of deals, particularly in talent retention and leadership alignment.
Cultural Alignment Metrics: The pace at which companies adopt leading indicators like employee engagement and internal mobility as key metrics for deal success.