World in transition: Four themes

In an increasingly interconnected world, cyber risk is firmly at the top of the boardroom agenda, and having an effective data breach response programme is no longer optional.

Vehicle sales rebounded strongly following lockdowns, but Europe’s automotive companies confront a period of significant change as governments phase out combustion engines, supply chain constraints bite and the impacts of events in Ukraine are felt  

Increased sector scope and concerns around a more aggressive approach to identifying non-notified transactions is leading to rising numbers of filings

The Federal Trade Commission is taking an increasingly stringent approach to antitrust investigations

Dealmakers should be braced for a more aggressive stance under Chair Gary Gensler

In the second half of 2021, Delaware courts issued several decisions affecting M&A dealmaking

Africa is a priority for several Biden administration agencies working in development finance

Our survey shows investment in infrastructure assets looks set to accelerate with an anticipated boost from the US infrastructure bill and a growing focus on sustainability and technology

After a pause, investment in infrastructure has ballooned, even before the Biden administration's US$1 trillion-plus plan is passed

After campaigning for the presidency on a platform that included more aggressive antitrust enforcement, Joe Biden has taken early steps to honor those pledges

President Joe Biden's approach to the national security risks posed by foreign-backed M&A may differ in style from his predecessor, but not in substance

New Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler has put scrutiny of SPACs and private funds at the top of his agenda

The new Executive Order includes 72 initiatives instructing more than a dozen federal agencies to consider adopting rules intended to enhance competition. 

New challenges may lie ahead for the pharmaceutical industry

Businesses with high market shares may find themselves under the microscope

Is 2021 a year of change?

Companies seeking mergers can expect scrutiny and litigation

The benefits of highlighting ESG, jobs and other positive deal impacts 

A focus on “critical” products and sectors could impact manufacturers, distributors and others

A renewed focus on methodical analysis means careful preparation can improve deal outcomes

Now is a good time for lenders, borrowers and other businesses to review compliance policies and procedures

Companies may need to alter their sourcing and supply chain practices to meet new US government standards 

Consider three factors: likelihood of legislation; complexity of regulatory action; and timeline for infrastructure development

Many leveraged finance dealmakers welcomed the certainty and stability President Biden's election brought to capital markets but attention will now turn to what the new administration means for the markets in the long-term

Businesses must be prepared for legal challenges to their activities and proactively take steps to limit their exposure to climate change-related claims

In addition to regulating how CO2 is stored and transported, governments increasingly provide incentives to accelerate adoption of carbon capture and storage