Following an announcement on Monday that China has given its clearance for the proposed Shell’s $70 billion acquisition of UK’s BG Group, Shell has informed of its intention to make cuts in the merged entity’s workforce.
Shell issued a statement in which it says that it expects an overall potential reduction of approximately 2,800 roles globally across the combined group, or approximately 3% of the total combined group workforce.
These reductions are in addition to the previously announced plans to reduce Shell’s headcount and contractor positions by 7,500 globally, Shell said.
Furthermore, Shell said it would close offices where practical in certain locations around the world.
“With regards to office footprint rationalisation in the UK, Shell will, following deal completion, undertake a comprehensive review during the course of 2016,” the company said.
Shell said that the proposed changes are subject to deal completion, engagement with affected employees and relevant employee representatives.
The proposed $70 billion transaction remains on track for completion in early 2016.