Thread regarding VMware layoffs

They have to abide by the labour laws in France, at a minimum.

So maybe it's time to go read up on what those are and how they apply to acquisitions, rather than trying to learn from a bunch of random strangers here.

Well is a myth that in France or other places in Europe is impossible to lay off.
Maybe 30 years ago, or for the very old people who still have old job contracts before the job reforms took place years ago. But now (fortunately) is different. It just takes a bit more time and maybe an higher severance.
in France, Germany, Spain, Netherlands, Italy there are a lot of hirings/lay off every year now everywhere in the country especially in the IT countires

I don't know if it will work same way, but when Pivotal was acquired, it didn't happen in all countries at same time. First country was US and few months later other countries were included. In the meantime, those countries were having payroll and conditions from Pivotal.

Not sure if it will happen same: November US and some months later, acquisition will happen in other countries or everybody at same time and then layoffs from BC.

I knew a guy they could not lay off in France who had to go to the office for a year each day with absolutely nothing to do, its a nightmare place to hire and try and layoff

anyway they will work within each countries employment law guidelines, if your team is going they will work the usual notice of redundancy or to remain follow EU TUPE Transfer of Undertakings - Protection of Employment guidelines

No one knows what they are going to do to those who have strong protection. It may well be that they take away all optional benefits, like car allowance and private pension fund, and even strip us off our bonuses, just to incentivize people to either sign a new employment contract (with BC) or agree to a settlement. This will all be clearer in the coming months.
But either way, you should have an employment lawyer lined up.

If I got that right, you think 25% of those who get put on a long transition contract (9/12mo.) will be offered a full-time gig by the end of the contract? My initial reaction was that seemed high, but this is my first big acquisition of this kind.

You will either RIF’d, 3/6/9/12 month Contract or offered a job. I’d say 25% of those that get a long contract will be offered a spot later once the chaff is blown away. You should know this within after close. Your manager may give you feedback if you are def done.