Accuracy partners Charlene Burridge and Anthony Theau-Laurent recently participated in a panel discussion on cross-border M&A disputes, alongside legal practitioners and industry experts.
The discussion explored key trends shaping the current M&A landscape and the factors contributing to post-transaction disputes. Macroeconomic conditions, including geopolitical uncertainty, market volatility and increased regulatory scrutiny, were identified as significant external drivers.
Panellists also highlighted the growing complexity of transactions, with structures such as earn-outs, carve-outs and distressed deals becoming more prevalent. This complexity increases the potential for disagreements, particularly around valuation, purchase price adjustments and contractual provisions. Emerging areas of dispute, including those linked to ESG commitments, were also discussed.
A consistent theme was the importance of anticipating disputes at the transaction stage. Clear contractual drafting, robust scenario analysis and early involvement of advisers were identified as key measures to mitigate risk.
These exchanges reflect the increasing need for integrated approaches to M&A, combining transaction and dispute expertise to support more resilient deal structuring.
Our M&A Survival Guide highlights five common causes of post-M&A disputes and offers practical strategies to mitigate them.
