High-Tech Mergers: Top of the Antitrust Enforcement Agenda
Antitrust enforcement in high-tech industries – those that employ the most advanced, cutting-edge technology – is a top priority for the Department of Justice (DoJ) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
SEC Issues Guidance on Proxy Voting and Proxy Advisory Firms – Will this Change Proxy Voting Behavior or the Role of Proxy Advisers?
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently issued regulatory guidance (see related Q&A) regarding proxy voting responsibilities, including the role of proxy advisory firms and use of advisory firm advice. Implicit in the staff’s guidance is the expectation that firms and advisers incorporate updates to their voting policies and processes […]
Understanding Attorney-Client Privilege in Internal Business Investigations
In a recent DC Circuit case, In re: Kellogg Brown & Root, Inc., No. 14-5055 (June 27, 2014), the DC Court of Appeals clarified the scope of the attorney-client privilege in the context of a business’s internal investigation and described four aspects of an internal investigation that may vary while […]
Amendment to Delaware Statute of Limitations Rules – Drafting Tips
A recent amendment to Delaware law clarifies certain statute of limitations rules, providing parties with increased flexibility to control survival periods for acquisition agreement indemnity provisions and related breach-of-contract claims. The amendment to the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) is described below, along with drafting tips for successfully incorporating […]
SEC Issues Guidance on Tweets and Similar Social Media Communications
Recognizing the growing interest in using technologies such as social media to communicate with security holders and potential investors, the Securities and Exchange Commission released a new Compliance and Disclosure Interpretation addressing the use of hyperlinks in Tweets and other social media communications to satisfy the SEC’s legending requirements. Historically, […]
“Good Faith” Covenants for Earnouts
The Delaware Chancery Court recently reviewed the application of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing in connection with “earnout” provisions in an acquisition agreement. In American Capital Acquisition Partners, LLC v. LPL Holdings, Inc., the court allowed a claim for a breach of the implied covenant to […]
A Series of Proposed Amendments to Delaware Corporate Law
Summarized below are the currently proposed changes to the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) that, if enacted, would become effective on August 1, 2014.
Activists and the Poison Pill
In re Third Point LLC v. Ruprecht, et al. (Del. Ch. May 2, 2014). In the much anticipated review of Sotheby’s two-tiered stockholder rights plan adopted in response to Third Point’s activist campaign and proxy contest, the Delaware Court of Chancery held that the Sotheby’s board did not breach its […]
United States v. Bazaarvoice: A Cautionary Antitrust Tale for High-Tech Mergers
The recently concluded Department of Justice enforcement action against Bazaarvoice, Inc.’s 2012 acquisition of rival PowerReviews, Inc. is a reminder of important principles for antitrust enforcement in high-tech industries.
Recent Trends in Antitrust and Regulatory Risk – Shifting in M&A Agreements
The recent drumbeat of aggressive antitrust and regulatory merger enforcement has put a spotlight on the importance of understanding the antitrust and regulatory risks raised by a potential deal, and efficiently allocating that risk in the transaction agreement. While transactions in dynamic technology, healthcare/life sciences, new media and telecom industries […]