How should records be integrated after a merger or acquisition?

This may be the least interesting issue, yet in the event of a challenge by a third party, it can quickly become the most important. When integrating recordkeeping, basic questions include:

• What records are maintained? Be sure to include personnel records, medical records, current and past disciplinary actions, travel, education, pending claims of discriminations, and manager and supervisor's records.

• Include databases as well as paper records.

• What written or unwritten rules control those records?

• Have the records been audited periodically? If not, were the records audited before filing? Can you assume the information is correct and proper?

Collect each record by category, check against a master list, and combine the records from each company in a secure manner.