HR and future of work · Industry brief

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HR Path closed a nearly $1 billion transaction with Ardian to fund international expansion and acceleration of its acquisition strategy. The Paris-founded HR consulting, HRIS implementation, and HR process outsourcing firm has completed 57 acquisitions over its lifetime, with 22 acquisitions in the past two years alone, growing revenue by 70% over that period. The deal, valued at approximately $1 billion and backed by more than 30 international investors, includes €340 million in senior debt and a €70 million revolving credit facility. HR Path operates in 30 countries with 2,600 employees and €360 million in annual revenue, with geographic expansion priorities including the United States, Canada, Germany, the Nordic countries, Australia, and the Middle East. The transaction preserves the company's entrepreneurial model with founders, partners, and employees retaining majority capital ownership, and includes development of AI-driven operational efficiency initiatives such as automated request-for-proposal platforms.

The Department of Labor's 2026 technical amendment reinstated the 2019 overtime salary threshold of $684 per week ($35,568 annually), vacating the 2024 rule that had raised it to $1,128 per week. This regulatory reversal affects worker classification and overtime eligibility going forward. Workers earning less than $684 per week cannot legally be classified as exempt regardless of job title, and employers must satisfy all three tests—duties, salary basis, and salary level—to exempt any worker from overtime requirements.