Covid-19 Merger And Acquisition Update

We have seen some acquisitions in their early stages be deferred until later in the year while both buyers and sellers wait for stability, when they can get a better idea of target values. Other transactions will continue to their agreed conclusion, the parties being committed to what they have previously decided and confident that is the best course of action. In that case, we recommend that parties apply some care and attention to the effects that COVID-19 may have on the target and arrangements governing its transfer on sale.

Generally, the usual steps required to complete acquisitions remain available for the time being, including litigation searches and the obtaining of regulatory consents and competition law determinations where applicable. Transactions should, however, build in flexibility for potential delays in these steps. Similarly, completion resolutions and meetings may require greater flexibility as to timing, particularly when needing to