Despite practical challenges, earnouts are a tool that PE buyers should increasingly consider to reconcile differences and get deals done. By Alexander Benedetti, Giancarlo D’Ambrosio, Sebastian Pauls, Laura Kichenside, Catherine Campbell, Tom Evans, and David Walker The use of earnouts, though historically disliked by PE buyers, is increasing across Europe. Earnouts can provide a way … Continue Reading
Successfully executing an acquisition from stress, distress, or insolvency requires a creative approach to reconcile competing interests. By Simon Baskerville, Jack Isaacs, Hyo Joo Kim, Catherine Campbell, Tom Evans, and David Walker The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a heightened risk of financial difficulty and insolvency for companies. Whilst there have been relatively few formal insolvencies … Continue Reading
European PIPEs — which have experienced an uptick due to COVID-19-related market volatility — present unique structural, informational, and governance considerations for private equity investors. By Richard Butterwick, Chris Horton, Tobias Larisch, Harald Selzner, Anna Ngo, Hector Sants, Catherine Campbell, Tom Evans, and David Walker European private investments in public equity (PIPEs) have historically been … Continue Reading
The taskforce continues to receive and monitor complaints about unfair practices in relation to cancellations and refunds and potentially unjustifiable price rises. By John D. Colahan and Anuj Ghai On 21 May, the CMA released a further update setting out the work of its COVID-19 Taskforce in responding to complaints regarding competition and consumer protection … Continue Reading
UK companies interested in producing ventilators and other critical equipment may benefit from regulatory exemptions and use government product specifications. By Frances Stocks Allen and Oliver Mobasser On 16 March 2020, Prime Minister Boris Johnson called on the UK’s leading manufacturing businesses to help the UK step up production of vital medical equipment to combat … Continue Reading
UK regulators announce a further package of measures to ease the burden on issuers. By Chris Horton, James Inness, Rob Moulton, Koushik Prasad, Connor Cahalane, and Charlotte Collins In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, UK regulators have published further measures affecting issuers, to try to preserve the flow of information to investors and support the … Continue Reading
D.P.C.M. now includes measures for certain manufacturing industries, as well as call centres and civil engineering works, but excludes employment agencies. By Giancarlo D’Ambrosio and Giovanni B. Sandicchi By decree of the Ministry of Economic Development, adopted yesterday and in force since today, March, 26, 2020, several amendments have been made to the list annexed … Continue Reading
Material adverse change provisions in credit agreements are under much heightened scrutiny in the current circumstances. By James Chesterman and Helena Potts In the current environment, both corporates and their lenders are trying to assess a fast-moving situation. Businesses are suspending operations, countries are limiting travel and non-essential activities, events are being cancelled and consumers … Continue Reading
The Cura Italia Decree also extends the validity of administrative authorizations. By Cesare Milani On March 17, 2020, the Italian government adopted Law Decree No. 18/2020 (the Cura Italia Decree), providing for a contingency package of extraordinary measures to strengthen the national health service and provide financial and economic support to families, workers, and companies … Continue Reading
