2013 European Private Target M&A Deal Points Study · M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers &...
Transcript of 2013 European Private Target M&A Deal Points Study · M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers &...
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 1
A Project of the Mergers & Acquisitions Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee
of the American Bar Association’s Business Law Section
2013 European Private Target M&A Deal Points Study
Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP is pleased to make available this study, chaired by one of our partners, presenting data on European M&A deals and comparisons with U.S. practice. Contact: Reid Feldman – Partner / Avocat à la Cour Telephone +33 1 44 09 46 03 / +1 212 715 3777
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 2
A Project of the Mergers & Acquisitions Market Trends Subcommittee
of the Mergers & Acquisitions Committee of the American Bar Association’s Business Law Section
Subcommittee Chair Hal J. Leibowitz, Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP
Past Subcommittee Chairs
Wilson Chu, K&L Gates LLP (Founding Subcommittee Chair) Larry Glasgow, Gardere Wynne Sewell, LLP (Founding Subcommittee Chair)
Keith A. Flaum, Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP James R. Griffin, Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP
Jessica C. Pearlman, K&L Gates LLP
Chair, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee Mark A. Morton, Potter Anderson and Corroon LLP
2013 European Private Target M&A Deal Points Study
(For Transactions in 2009, 2010 or 2011)
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 3
2013 European Private Target M&A Deal Points Study
DISCLAIMERS The findings presented in this Study do not necessarily reflect the personal views of the Working Group members or the views of their respective firms. In addition, the acquisition agreement provisions that form the basis of this Study are drafted in many different ways and do not always fit precisely into particular “data point” categories. Therefore, Working Group members have had to make various judgment calls regarding, for example, how to categorize the nature or effect of the provisions. As a result, the conclusions presented in this Study may be subject to important qualifications that are not expressly articulated in this Study.
CHAIR
Reid Feldman Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP
Paris, France VICE-CHAIRS
Stephan R. Goethel Taylor Wessing
Hamburg, Germany
Jan-Willem van Rooij Loyens & Loeff
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Andrew Saul Osborne Clarke
London, England
Richard Silberstein Gómez-Acebo & Pombo
Barcelona, Spain
CONTRIBUTORS Georg-Philipp Cotta
Beiten Burkhardt Munich, Germany
Christiaan de Brauw NautaDutilh
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Olaf Ehrenskjöld Gorrissen Federspiel Kierkegaard
Copenhagen, Denmark
Sabine Klett Noerr
Munich, Germany
Christian Herbst Schoenherr
Vienna, Austria
Alejandro Payá Cuatrecasas
Barcelona, Spain
Lars Teigelack White & Case
Frankfurt, Germany
Diane Frankle Kaye Scholer
Palo Alto, California
Hubert Segain Herbert Smith Paris, France
Ian Tully Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle
Milan, Italy
Ulf Hackenberg DSPPR & Partner
Düsseldorf, Germany
Kimmo Mettälä Krogerus
Helsinki, Finland
Duco de Boer Katrien Vorlat Stibbe
Amsterdam, NL Brussels, BE
Finn Lernø Plesner
Copenhagen, Denmark
Emanuele Trucco Shearman & Sterling
Milan, Italy
Yan Pecoraro Portolano Cavallo
Milan, Italy
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 4
This Study analyzes share purchase agreements for acquisitions of privately held targets in Europe signed or closed in 2009, 2010 or 2011* meeting the following criteria: (a) transaction value** was at least €20 million; (b) the Target was a company whose shares are not publicly traded; (c) the transaction was a pure share deal (i.e. not for purchase of assets or acquisition of a combination of assets and shares); and (d) the Target or a substantial part of its assets or operations were in Europe.
As acquisition agreements are not generally publicly available in Europe, the Study sample consists of information on acquisition agreements provided by Working Group members’ firms in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, the UK and the USA.
Data were collected by means of questionnaire responses (with no communication of confidential data from the deals studied). Validity and consistency of data were verified by review of sanitized agreements or excerpts thereof. On some slides percentages total 101% due to rounding.
Comparisons are made in this Study to the 2010 European Private Target Deal Points Study (for transactions completed in 2008) and the 2011 US Deal Points Study (for transactions completed in 2010).***
Transaction Value Range # of Deals Closing
€20M – €1,2B
101 Deferred Simultaneous Sign-and-Close
79% 21%
* Five deals were signed in 2011 and closed in the first quarter of 2012. ** Transaction value includes capped or calculated earn-outs and assumption of Seller’s debt but not uncapped earn-outs to the extent
not yet calculated or Target’s debt. ***These studies are available at http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003
2013 European Private Target Study Sample Overview
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 5
Contents I. Study Sample …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……. Slide 6
A. Analysis of study sample by transaction value, industry, nature of parties, use of controlled auctions, Target’s country of principal operations and applicable law ………………………………………….……………………… Slides 7-14
B. Comparative Data re Sample……………………………………………………………………………………………………. Slide 15 II. Financial Provisions …………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………....... Slide 16
A. Payment Terms ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Slide 17 B. Post-Closing Purchase Price Adjustments ……………………………………………………………………………………. Slide 18
III. Pervasive Qualifiers …………………………………………………………………………………....………………………………….... Slide 19 A. Material Adverse Effect ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….… Slide 20 B. Knowledge ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Slide 29 C. Comparative Data re Pervasive Qualifiers …………………………………………………………………………………...... Slide 31
IV. Representations and Warranties ……………………………………………………...…………….……………………………………. Slide 32 A. Representations Concerning Financial Statements …………………………………….………………………………………. Slide 33 B. “No Undisclosed Liabilities” Representation …………………………………………………………………………………...... Slide 35 C. “Full Disclosure” Representation ………………………………………………………………………………………………. Slide 37 D. “Compliance with law” Representation ……………………………………………………………………….………………….. Slide 39 E. Representations Implied by Law ………………………………………………………………………………………………..… Slide 41 F. Comparative Data re Representations ………………………………………………………………………………………….. Slide 42
V. Conditions to Closing …………………………………………………………………………………...…………………………………. Slide 43 A. Accuracy of Representations ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… Slide 44 B. Material Adverse Change Condition …………………………………………………………………………………………….. Slide 49 C. No Legal Proceedings Challenging the Transaction ………………………………………………………………………….... Slide 51 D. Legal Opinions (Non-Tax) of Seller’s Counsel …………………………………………………………………………………. Slide 53 E. Retention of Employees……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Slide 54 F. Comparative Data re Closing Conditions ……………………………………………………………………………................. Slide 55
VI. Indemnification ………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………... Slide 56 A. “Sandbagging” ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………. Slide 57 B. “No Other Representations and Warranties” ……………………………………………………………………………………. Slide 59 C. Survival/Time to Assert Claims ……………………………………………………………………………………..…………… Slide 64 D. Definition of Damages …………………………………………………………………………………………………................. Slide 67 J. Baskets …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….... Slide 69 K. Caps …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Slide 78 L. Indemnification as Exclusive Remedy……………………………………………………………………………………………. Slide 81 M. Right of Seller to Remedy a Breach………………………………………………………………………………………………. Slide 83 N. Control of Defense Against Third-Party Claims………………………………………………………………………………….. Slide 84 O. Stand-Alone Indemnities …………………………………………………………………………………………………………... Slide 86 P. Security for Payment of Seller’s Indemnification Obligations ……………………………………………………………….…. Slide 87 Q. Comparative Data re Indemnification ……………………………………………………………………………………………... Slide 91
VII. Dispute Resolution …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..... Slide 92 A. Dispute Resolution Mechanism …………………………………………………………………………………………………… Slide 93 B. Comparative Data re Dispute Resolution ………………………………………………………………………………………… Slide 94
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 6
Study Sample
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 7
€20M up to €40M34%
€40M up to €80M22%
€80M up to €160M19% €160M up to €240M
10%
€240M up to €320M1%
€320M up to €400M6%
€400M up to €560M1%
€560M up to €720M4%
€720M up to €900M2%
≥ €900M1%
* Mean transaction value was €143 million and median transaction value was €62 million.
2013 European Private Target Study Sample (by transaction value)*
Study Sample
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 8
Study Sample
Industrial Goods and Services
Technology
Food & Beverage
Media
Retail
Telecomunications
Financial Services
Construction & Materials
Health Care
Aerospace & Defense
Personal & Household Goods
Oil & Gas
Other**
20%
17%
13%
12%
8%
8%
7%
5%
5%
3%
3%
3%
18%* 12% of Targets had activities in more than one industry. ** “Other” includes: travel, real estate, facility management, IP rights management, leisure & recreation, cargo, other energy, auto rental,
internet platform and airport/aviation services.
2013 European Private Target Study Sample (by industry)*
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 9
Corporate
Fin. & Corp.
Financial
Fin. & Entr.
Entrepreneurial
2%
0%
1%
1%
16%
0000
1%
3%
1%
13%
1%
7%
0%0%0%0%
1%
17%
2%
13%
1%
20%
0%0%0%0%
1%
Study Sample
2013 European Private Target Study Sample (by nature of parties)
46%
3%
27%
3%
22% Prin
cipa
l Sel
lers
Buyers
(these data also presented in table form on next slide)
Entrepreneurial Financial & Entrepreneurial
Financial Financial & Corporate
Corporate Corporate & Entrepreneurial
Financial & Corporate
Financial & Entrepreneurial
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 10
Study Sample
Buyers
Entrepreneurial Financial &
Entrepreneurial Financial Financial &
Corporate Corporate Corporate &
Entrepreneurial Total
Pri
ncip
al S
elle
rs Entrepreneurial 16% 1% 7% 1% 20% 1% 46%
Financial & Entrepreneurial 1% 0% 1% 0% 1% 0% 3%
Financial 1% 0% 13% 0% 13% 0% 27%
Financial & Corporate 0% 0% 1% 0% 2% 0% 3%
Corporate 2% 0% 3% 0% 17% 0% 22%
Total 18% 1% 22% 1% 36% 1% 100%
2013 European Private Target Study Sample (by nature of parties)
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 11
Resulted From Controlled
Auction28%
No Controlled Auction
72%
Study Sample
2013 European Private Target Study Sample (use of controlled auctions)
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 12
Austria3%
Belgium5%
Brazil*2%
Bulgaria1%
Denmark6%
France5%
Finland4%
Germany21% Italy
6%
Netherlands20%
Romania1%
Spain8%
Switzerland1%UK
14%USA**
1%Worldwide***
3%
Study Sample
2013 European Private Target Study Sample (by country of principal operations of Target)
* Of the two Targets with principal operations in Brazil, one had a substantial presence (its headquarters) in Spain and the other had substantial operations in France, Germany and Spain (among other countries).
** The one Target with principal operations in the USA also had substantial operations in Spain. *** The Targets classified as “Worldwide” all had substantial operations in various countries in Europe and elsewhere.
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 13
Study Sample
Austria3%
Belgium5% Delaware
2% Denmark6%
England18%
France6%
Finland4%
Germany*23%
Italy5%
Netherlands15%
New York2%
Spain10%
Switzerland1%
* Includes one deal with German and Bulgarian law applicable and one with German and Romanian law applicable.
2013 European Private Target Study Sample (applicable law)
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 14
Study Sample
* Examples of “Other”: shareholders of Seller, parent company of acquisition company. The 8 deals where the applicable law was not the law of either the Target, the Buyer or the Seller were subject to the law of England (5 deals), NY (2 deals) or Delaware (1 deal).
2013 European Private Target Study Sample (applicable law)
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 15
Private Target M&A Studies Comparative Data re Sample
Study Sample Overview
2011 US Study 2013 European Study
Years covered Deals closed in 2010 Deals signed and/or closed in 2009-2011
Sample 100 agreements for the acquisition of private targets by public companies 83% share deals, 17% asset deals 70% had a deferred closing
101 agreements for the acquisition of private targets by public or private companies 100% share deals 79% had a deferred closing
Top three principal industries in sample
Technology 29% Health Care 16% Industrial Goods & Services 10%
Industrial goods & services 20% Technology 17% Food & Beverage 13%
Transaction value $25M to $50M 28% €20M up to €40M 35%
$51M to $100M 25% €40M up to €80M 22%
$101M to $300M 16% €80M up to €240M 29%
$301M to $500M 7% €240M up to €400M 7%
>$500M none €400M up to €560M 1% €560M up to €720M 4% €720M up to €900M 2% > €900M 1%
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 16
Financial Provisions
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 17
Full Payment at Closing (with or without post-closing adjustments)
52%
Earnout*13%
Both deferred paymnet and separate earn-out
3%
Deferred Payment (Not Earnout)
32%
(73% in 2010 Eur. Study)
(15% in 2010 Eur. Study)
(10% in 2010 Eur. Study)
(1% in 2010 Eur. Study)
Payment Terms
Financial Provisions
* Most common earn-out metrics were earnings/EBITDA/profit.
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 18
* 68% of the post-closing purchase price adjustments were based on more than one metric. ** Includes EBITDA or other measure of earnings. *** Not separately categorized in 2010 Study. **** Examples of “other": capex, employee liabilities and costs, inventory, material permits, off balance sheet liabilities, tax matters,
licenses, lease agreements, gross revenue and inventory.
Financial Provisions
(Subset: includes adjustment)
Post-Closing Purchase Price Adjustments
Adjustment Metrics*
(51% in 2010 Eur. Study)
(49% in 2010 Eur. Study)
Working Capital
Earnings**
Assets or NAV
Debt***
Cash***
Other****
60%
12%
12%
68%
42%
36%
(43%)
(21%)
(29%)
(44%)
Deals in 2013 Study
Deals in 2010 Study
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 19
Pervasive Qualifiers
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 20
“Material Adverse Effect”*
“Material Adverse Effect” means any result, occurrence, fact, change,
event or effect that has a material adverse effect on the business, assets, liabilities, capitalization, condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations [or prospects] of Target.
Pervasive Qualifiers
* Data regarding Material Adverse Effect (“MAE”) clauses include clauses in some agreements which refer to a Material Adverse Change (“MAC”).
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 21
Stand-Alone MAE
Only54%
Back Door MAE Only
23%
Both Stand-
Alone and Back Door
MAE 23%
Material Adverse Effect - Clauses
Pervasive Qualifiers
MAE Clause
Included39%
MAE Clause Not Included
61%
(Subset: MAE Clause Included)
(62% in 2010 Eur. Study)
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 22
Definition of Material Adverse Effect
MAE Defined90 %
MAE Not Defined10 %
"Prospects" Included
66 %
"Prospects" Not Included
34 %
(Subset: MAE Defined)
Pervasive Qualifiers
(38% in 2010 Eur. Study) (47% in 2010 Eur. Study)
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 23
Definition of Material Adverse Effect - Carve Outs
“Material Adverse Effect” means …, except to the extent resulting from
(A) economic conditions (e.g., stock market crash), (B) conditions generally affecting Target’s or Buyer’s industry, (C) announcement or pendency of deal, (D) taking of any action contemplated or required by the acquisition agreement, (E) downturn in financial markets, (F) change in law, (G) change in accounting principles or (H) war or terrorism.
Pervasive Qualifiers
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 24
Definition Includes
Carve Outs 56 %
No Carve Outs
Included44 %
Pervasive Qualifiers
(subset: includes carve outs)
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
War or Terrorism
Industry Conditions
Financial Market Downturn
Economic Condtions
Change in Law
Change in Accounting Principles
Announcement or Pendency of Deal
Action Contemplated or Required by SPA
57%
29%
29%
48%
57%
28%
33%
62%
(47% in 2010 Eur. Study)
Definition of Material Adverse Effect - Carve Outs
(Subset: deals with MAE definition)
Action Contemplated or Required by the Agreement
Announcement or Pendency of the Deal Change in Accounting Principles
Change in Law Economic Conditions
Financial Market Downturn Industry Conditions
War or Terrorism
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 25
Definition of Material Adverse Effect – Carve Out(s) Qualified by Disproportionate
Effect
“Material Adverse Effect” means …, except to the extent resulting from (A) changes in general economic conditions, (B) changes affecting generally the industries in which the Target operates . . ., provided that such event, change or action does not affect the Target in a substantially disproportionate manner.
Pervasive Qualifiers
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 26
Definition of Material Adverse Effect – Carve Out(s) Qualified by Disproportionate
Effect
No Carve Out Qualified by
Disproportionate Effect62%
At Least One Carve Out
Qualified by Disproportionate
Effect 38%
Pervasive Qualifiers
(Subset: deals with MAE definition)
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 27
Definition of Material Adverse Effect – Application to Individual Subsidiaries
“Material Adverse Effect” means any result, occurrence, fact, change, event or effect that is or could reasonably be expected to have a materially adverse effect on (i) the business, assets, liabilities, capitalization, condition (financial or other), or results of operations of Target or any of its Subsidiaries, or (ii) Seller’s ability to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
Pervasive Qualifiers
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 28
Definition of Material Adverse Effect – Application to Individual Subsidiaries
MAE Applies to Target and
Subsidiaries Taken as a
Whole49%
MAE Applies to Target and
Subsidiaries Taken as a
Whole and on an Individual
Basis5%
MAE Applies to Target or
Subsidiaries on an Individual
Basis26%
Silent20%
Pervasive Qualifiers
(Subset: deals with MAE definition)
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 29
Knowledge Actual Knowledge: “Knowledge” means the actual knowledge of the directors and officers of Target. Constructive Knowledge: - Role-Based Deemed Knowledge “Knowledge” means the actual knowledge of the directors and officers of
Target and the knowledge that each such person in his/her role as director or officer should have.
- Express Investigation Requirement “Knowledge” means the actual knowledge of the directors and officers of
Target and the knowledge that each such person in his/her role as director or officer should have after due and careful inquiry.
Knowledge Group: “Knowledge” means the knowledge of the directors and officers of Target and /or [other specified individuals].
Pervasive Qualifiers
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 30
Express InvestigationRequirement -
Reasonable or Due…
Express InvestigationRequirement - Other
Role-Based DeemedKnowledge
Other
66%
12%
22%
12%
Knowledge – Standards
Pervasive Qualifiers
KnowledgeNot Defined
19% Actual Knowledge
24%
Constructive Knowledge
57%
(Subset: Knowledge defined, i.e. actual or constructive knowledge)
Specified Individuals
Senior Management(includes Officers)
Group Not Defined
Other
66%
22%
11%
15%
Express Investigation Requirement -
Reasonable or Due Inquiry
Express Investigation Requirement – Other
Role-Based Deemed Knowledge
Other
(Subset: Constructive Knowledge)
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 31
Comparative Data re Pervasive Qualifiers Study Sample Overview
2011 US Study 2013 European Study
MAE clause included 99% 39%
If clause included, MAE is defined 98 % 90 %
-- when defined, includes prospects 16 % 66 %
-- when defined, includes carve-outs 87 % 56 %
• of these, at least one carve-out qualified by disproportionate effects 80 % 38 %
MAE clause applies to:
-- Target + subsidiaries as a whole only 84 % 49 %
-- Target + subsidiaries on an individual basis only 3 % 26 %
-- Target and subsidiaries as a whole and on an individual basis 0 % 5 %
MAE clause is silent re application to Target or subsidiaries 13 % 20 %
Knowledge not defined 4 % 19 %
Knowlege is defined as actual knowledge 23 % 24 %
Knowlege is defined as constructive knowledge 73 % 57 %
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 32
Representations and Warranties
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 33
Financial Statements – “Fair Presentation” Representation
“Fairly presents” is GAAP-Qualified: The financial statements fairly present [to the Knowledge of Seller] the
financial position of the Target and its consolidated subsidiaries as of the respective dates thereof and the results of operations and cash flows of the Target and its consolidated subsidiaries for the periods covered thereby, all in accordance with GAAP.
“Fairly presents” is not GAAP-Qualified: The financial statements fairly present [to the Knowledge of Seller] the
financial position of the Target and its consolidated subsidiaries as of the respective dates thereof and the results of operations and cash flows of the Target and its consolidated subsidiaries for the periods covered thereby.
Representations and Warranties
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 34
Financial Statements – “Fair Presentation” Representation
Rep not included
9%
Rep Included
91%
GAAP Qualified
41%
Not GAAP Qualified
49%
Specific Statutory Standard*
10%
Representations and Warranties
(Subset: “Fair Presentation” Rep Included)
Knowledge Qualified
8%
Not Knowledge Qualified
92%
* Example of specific statutory standard: “true and fair view within the meaning of German Commercial Code (HGB)”.
(86% in 2010 Eur. Study)
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 35
Not GAAP-Qualified – “all liabilities” (Buyer favorable):
Target has no liability [to the Knowledge of Seller] except for liabilities
reflected or reserved against in the financial statements and current liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business since [date].
GAAP-Qualified (Seller favorable):
Target has no liability [to the Knowledge of Seller] of the type required to be disclosed under GAAP, except for liabilities reflected in the [financial statements] and liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business since [date].
Representations and Warranties
“No Undisclosed Liabilities” Representation
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 36
“No Undisclosed Liabilities” Representation
Rep Not Included
45 %
Includes Rep
55 %
Knowledge Qualified
24%
Not Knowledge
Qualified76 %
"GAAP" Liabilities
(Seller Favorable)
20%
"All Liabilities"
(Buyer Favorable)
64%
Other*16%
Representations and Warranties
(Subset: “No Undisclosed Liabilities” Rep Included)
* Example of “other”: “The Seller has not intentionally withheld any Information which (i) is important for a prospective purchaser to obtain a true and fair view of the business, assets and liabilities of the Target or (ii) would make any Due Diligence Information materially untrue or inaccurate.”
(40% in 2010 Eur. Study)
(10% in 2010 Eur. Study)
(15% in 2010 Eur. Study)
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 37
“10b-5” Formulation No representation or warranty or other statement made by the Seller
contains any untrue statement or omits to state a material fact necessary to make any of them, in the light of the circumstances in which it was made, not misleading.
Full disclosure Formulation
The Seller has disclosed all information relating to the Target which would be material to a buyer for value of the Shares and all such information is true, accurate and not misleading
Representations and Warranties
“Full Disclosure” Representation
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 38
Rep included, 10b-5 type
12%
Rep Not Included
61%
Rep included, not 10b-5 type
27%
Representations and Warranties
“Full Disclosure” Representation
Knowledge Qualified
41%
Not Knowledge
Qualified59%
(Subset: includes rep, whether or not 10b-5-type = 39%)
(54% in 2010 Eur. Study)
(46% in 2010 Eur. Study)
(40% in 2010 Eur. Study)
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 39
Representations and Warranties
“Compliance with Law” Representation
[To the Sellers’ knowledge,] the business of Target [has been and] is being conducted in compliance with applicable law.
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 40
Representations and Warranties
“Compliance with Law” Representation
Includes Compliance With Law
Rep79%
Rep Not included
21%
(Subset: includes rep)
45%
64%
16%
36%
Knowledge- Qualified
Covers present and past
Refers to a receipt of a notice of a notice of Investigation
Refers to a receipt of a notice of violation
Knowledge Qualified
Covers Present and Past Compliance
Includes Notice of Investigation
Includes Notice of Violation
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 41
Representations Implied By Law
Yes47%
No53%
Representations and Warranties
Does the agreement specifically exclude representations that are implied by law?*
* Example of representations implied by law: warranty that the item sold is “fit for its intended purpose”.
(54% in 2010 Eur. Study)
(46% in 2010 Eur. Study)
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 42
2011 US Study 2013 European
Study
“Fair Presentation” rep included 77% 91%
- when included, rep was not GAAP qualified 76% 49%
“No Undisclosed Liabilities” rep included 96% 55%
- when included, rep was not GAAP qualified 61% 64%
“Full Disclosure” rep included 37% 39%
- when included, rep was not knowledge qualified 77% 59%
“Compliance with Law” rep included 99% 79%
Private Target M&A Studies Comparative Data re Representations
Representations and Warranties
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 43
Conditions to Closing*
* Analysis includes only deals with deferred closings.
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 44
Single point in time: at closing Each of the Seller’s representations and warranties shall have been
accurate in all material respects as of the Closing Date as if made on the Closing Date.
Two points in time: at signing and at closing Each of the Seller’s representations and warranties is true and accurate
as at the date of this Agreement and shall be true and accurate as of the Closing Date as if made on the Closing Date.
Conditions to Closing
“Accuracy of Representations” – When Must They Be Accurate?
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 45
Conditions to Closing
“Accuracy of Representations” – When Must They Be Accurate?
* In these cases Buyer’s obligation to close is not subject to Seller’s representations being accurate and the representations generally serve only as a basis for indemnification.
(64% in 2010 Eur. Study)
(26% in 2010 Eur. Study)
(10% in 2010 Eur. Study)
(0% in 2010 Eur. Study)
"When Made" (i.e. at Signing) Only
1% At Neither Signing Nor
Closing* 64%
"With Bring Down" (i.e. at Closing) Only
11%
"When Made" and "With Bring Down" (i.e. at Both
Signing and Closing) 24%
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 46
Accurate in all respects: Each of the representations and warranties is true and accurate in all respects. Accurate in all material respects: Each of the representations and warranties is true and accurate in all material
respects. Accurate in all material respects with "double materiality" scrape: Each of the representations and Warranties is true and accurate in all material
respects it being understood that, for the purposes of determining the accuracy of such representations, all "MAE" qualifications and other materiality qualifications in such representations shall be disregarded.
Conditions to Closing
“Accuracy of Representations” – How Accurate Must They Be?
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 47
MAE qualification: Each of the representations and warranties is true and accurate, except for
inaccuracies of representations or warranties the circumstances giving rise to which, individually or in the aggregate, do not constitute and could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
MAE qualification with "double materiality" scrape: Each of the representations and warranties is true and accurate, except for
inaccuracies of representations the circumstances giving rise to which do not constitute and could not reasonably be expected to result in a MAE, it being understood that for purposes of determining the accuracy of such representations, all "MAE" qualifications and other materiality qualifications contained in such representations shall be disregarded.
Conditions to Closing
“Accuracy of Representations” – How Accurate Must They Be? (continued)
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 48
"In All Respects"
52%
"In All Material
Respects"24%
"In All Material
Respects" with "Double Materiality"
Scrape10%
MAE Qualification*
*4%
MAE Qualification with "Double Materiality"
Scrape**10%
“Accuracy of Representations” – How Accurate Must They Be?
(Subset: deals for which Buyer’s obligation to close is subject to reps being accurate at signing and/or closing*)
(79% in 2010 Eur. Study)
(17% in 2010 Eur. Study)
* Excludes one deal with a condition of accuracy referring to a loss of more than a specified sum, rather than “materiality”. ** In 2010 Eur. Study 4% of deals had a MAE qualification (with or without a double materiality scrape).
Conditions to Closing
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 49
Stand-Alone: Since the date of this Agreement there has not been any Material
Adverse Change [in respect of the Target] Back-Door: “absence of changes” representation Since the Balance Sheet date, there has not been any Material
Adverse Change [in respect of the Target]
plus “bring down” formulation of “accuracy of representations” condition * In some agreements, instead of referring to the absence of a MAC the condition may refer to the absence of
an event causing a MAE.
Material Adverse Change Condition*
Conditions to Closing
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 50
Material Adverse Change Condition
Includes MAC
Condition24%
MAC Condition
Not Included
76%
Stand-Alone MAC Condition
Only65%
Back-Door MAC
Condition Only15%
Both Stand-
Alone and Back-Door
MAC Condition
20%
(Subset: includes condition)
(47% in 2010 Eur. Study)
(53% in 2010 Eur. Study)
Conditions to Closing
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 51
There will not be pending [or threatened] any action, suit, or similar legal
proceeding brought by an Governmental Entity [or third party] challenging or seeking to restrain or prohibit the consummation of the Transaction.
No Legal Proceedings Challenging the Transaction
Conditions to Closing
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 52
No Legal Proceedings Challenging the Transaction
Includes Condition
12%
Condition Not
Included88%
Conditions to Closing
(83% in 2010 Eur. Study)
(17% in 2010 Eur. Study)
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 53
Required*1%
Not Required
99%
Legal Opinions (Non-Tax) of Seller’s Counsel
* Represents one deal (parent of Buyer was a U.S. company; opinions related to selling shareholders in Bermuda and the Cayman Islands and to the Target’s French subsidiary).
Conditions to Closing
(99% in 2010 Eur. Study)
(1% in 2010 Eur. Study)
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 54
Yes8%
No92%
Retention of Employees
Is there a stand-alone "Retention of Employee" condition to closing?
Conditions to Closing
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 55
Private Target M&A Studies Comparative Data re Closing Conditions
Closing Conditions
2011 US Study 2013 European
Study
“Accuracy of Representations” Closing Condition included 100% 36%
Condition applies at signing (i.e. “when made”) and at closing (i.e. with “bring down”) 59% 24%
Condition applies only at signing or only at closing 41%, all only at closing
11% only at closing
1% only at signing
MAC Condition (“stand-alone” or “back door”) included 93% 24%
''No Legal Proceedings'' Condition 69% 12%
Legal Opinion (non-tax) Condition included 27% 1%
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 56
Indemnification
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 57
Indemnification
“Sandbagging” (i.e. ability of Buyer to seek remedy notwithstanding pre-existing knowledge of an inaccuracy or breach)
Pro-Sandbagging Provision: The right of Buyer to indemnification will not be affected by any knowledge acquired
or capable of being acquired by Buyer whether before or after the Closing Date with respect to the accuracy or inaccuracy of such representation or warranty.
Anti-Sandbagging (“Benefit-of-the-Bargain”) Provision: Seller shall not be liable for any Losses resulting from a breach of the
Representations and Warranties if Buyer had knowledge of such Seller Breach and/or the facts and/or circumstances giving rise to such Seller Breach before Closing.
Representation by Buyer Provision: Buyer is not aware of any breach or inaccuracy of any of the Seller’s Warranties or
any provision of this Agreement.
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Merers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 58
Silent*24%
Pro-Sandbagging
Clause Included
22%
Anti-Sandbagging Clause Included47%
Rep that Buyer has no
knowledge of breach or inaccuracy
8%
“Sandbagging”
Indemnification
* Includes agreements which refer to Buyer’s possible knowledge of breaches or inaccuracies but have no express statement on the impact on Buyer’s post-closing indemnification rights.
** In no deal were Buyer’s rights limited to walk rights.
(Subset: deals with pro-sandbagging
provisions)
Buyer’s rights** are limited to:
No limitation64%
Indemnification Rights Only
36%
Indemnification Rights Only
36%
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 59
“No Other Representations and Warranties” Indemnification
“No Other Representations and Warranties”
Except for the representations and warranties contained in [Section __, Target’s representations and warranties] (including the related portions of the Disclosure Schedules), none of Seller, the Target or any other Person has made or makes any other express or implied representation or warranty, either written or oral, on behalf of Seller or the Target.
“Non Reliance”
Buyer agrees to purchase and acquire the shares based upon its own inspection, examination and determination with respect thereto as to all matters and without reliance upon any express or implied representations, warranties or covenants of any nature made by or on behalf of or imputed to Seller, except for the representations, warranties and covenants explicitly given by Seller under this Agreement.
“No Other Representations and Warranties” with “Non Reliance”
Buyer acknowledges that Target has not made and is not making any representations or warranties whatsoever regarding the subject matter of this Agreement, express or implied, except as provided in Section 3, and that it is not relying and has not relied on any representations or warranties whatsoever regarding the subject matter of this Agreement, express or implied, except for the representations and warranties in Section __.
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 60
“No Other Representations and Warranties”/ Non-Reliance
Indemnification
Only Non-Reliance Clause Included
4%
Neither Clause Included
17%
Only "No Other Representations"Clause
Included20%
Both "No Other Representations" and Non-Reliance Clause
Included59%
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 61
Non-Reliance and “Sandbagging” - Correlation
Indemnification
Neither Provision Included
17%
Includes Pro-Sandbagging
Provision 15%
Provision Not Included
85%
(Subset: includes Non-Reliance provision) (Subset: includes Pro-Sandbagging provision)
"No Other Representations" or Express Non-
Reliance Provision Included
59%
Provision Not Included
41%
“No Other
Representations” or Express Non-
Reliance Provision Included
83%
Pro-Sandbagging
Provision Included
22%
Pro-Sandbagging
Provision Not Included
78%
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Merers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 62
Non-Reliance and “10b-5” Representation* - Correlation
Indemnification
"No Other Representations" or Express Non-
Reliance Provision Included
83%
Includes "10b-5" Representation
12%
RepresentationNot Included
88%
(Subset: includes Non-Reliance provision)
Includes "10b-5" Representation
12%
(Subset: includes “10b-5” Representation)
* Includes both “10b-5”and “full disclosure” formulations.
Includes "No Other Reps" or Express
Non-Reliance Provision
83%
Provision Not Included
17%
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Merers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 63
“Sandbagging” and “10b-5” Representation* - Correlation
Indemnification
Includes "10b-5" Representation
12%
Includes Pro-Sandbagging
Provision 33%
Provision Not Included
67%
(Subset: includes “10b-5” Representation)
Pro-Sandbagging
ProvisionIncluded
22%
Includes "10b-5" Representation
18%
Representation Not Included
82%
(Subset: includes Pro-Sandbagging provision)
* Includes both “10b-5”and “full disclosure” formulations.
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 64
Survival/Time to Assert Claims Indemnification
Survival: All representations, warranties in this Agreement, the Disclosure Letter and any other
certificate or document delivered pursuant to this Agreement will survive the Closing. Time limitations: If the Closing occurs, Sellers will have no liability (for indemnification or otherwise) with
respect to any representation or warranty, unless on or before _______________ Buyer notifies Sellers of a claim specifying the factual basis of that claim in reasonable detail to the extent then known by Buyer.
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Merers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 65
Survival/Time to Assert Claims (generally*)
Indemnification
* These periods apply to most representations; certain representations may be carved out from these periods and given other survival periods. ** Data for 2010 does not include one deal in which the survival period was tied to date of buyer’s awareness of the breach.
> 24 months
24 months
> 18 to < 24 months
18 months
> 12 months to < 18 months
12 months**
> 6 months to < 12 months
6 months
< 6 months
Express No Survival
Silent
(9%)
(25%)
(6%)
(23%)
(5%)
(15%)
(7%)
(0%)
(0%)
(1%)
(9%)
10%
21%
5%
34%
6%
13%
0%
1%
1%
1%
9%
Deals in 2013 Eur. Study
Deals in 2010 Eur. Study**
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Merers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 66
Other**
Intentional Breach of Warranties
Breach of Seller's / Target's Covenants
Fraud
Title to / Sufficiency of Assets (Rep)
Taxes (Rep)
Ownership of Shares (Rep)
No Conflicts (Rep)
Intellectual Property (Rep)
Environmental (Rep)
Employee Benefits / ERISA (Rep)
Due Organization (Rep)
Due Authority (Rep)
Capitalization (Rep)
Broker's / Finder's Fees (Rep)
32%
8%
12%
21%
12%
78%
71%
16%
13%
27%
23%
43%
43%
42%
5%
Survival/Time to Assert Claims – Carve Outs to Survival Limitations*
Indemnification
(Subset: deals with survival provisions*)
* Representations subject to carve outs typically have longer survival periods than those applicable to representations generally. ** Examples of other carve outs: employment matters and insolvency issues.
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Merers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 67
Damages Defined65%
Damages Not Defined
35%
Definition of Damages
Indemnification
* Example of other definitions of damages: “direct” loss.
(Subset: damages defined)
(28% in 2010 Eur. Study)
(72% in 2010 Eur. Study)
By Reference To Damages
Calculated under Applicable Law
23%
Amount Necessary To Put Target in Original
Position27%
Decrease in Value of Target's
Shares expressly excluded
3%
Decrease in Value of Target's
Shares expressly included
1%Limited to "Out of Pocket" Damages
5%
Other*41%
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Merers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 68
Expressly Included1%
Silent70%
Expressly Excluded29%
Types of Damages / Losses Covered Indemnification
Incidental Damages
Consequential Damages**
Expressly Included17%
Silent51%
Expressly Excluded32%
Punitive Damages
* 26% of the deals where damages are defined also included “Other Exclusions”, such as reputational damage or loss of goodwill. ** Reference to “Consequential Damages” includes “Loss of Profits”.
(Subset: deals where damages are defined*)
Expressly Included18%
Silent27%
Expressly Excluded55%
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 69
Indemnification
Baskets
Deductible:
Seller shall not be required to indemnify Buyer for Losses until the aggregate amount of all such Losses exceeds EUR ________ (the “Deductible”) in which event Seller shall be responsible only for Losses exceeding the Deductible.
Threshold:
Seller shall not be required to indemnify Buyer for Losses until the aggregate amount of all Losses exceeds EUR ________ (the “Threshold”) in which event Seller shall be liable for the aggregate amount of all Losses and not merely for the excess.
Combination:
Seller shall not be required to indemnify Buyer for Losses until the aggregate amount of all such Losses exceeds EUR ________ (the “Threshold”) in which event Seller shall be liable only for Losses in excess of EUR ______ (the “Deductible”).
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Merers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 70
Baskets
No Basket9%
Deductible13%
Threshold66%
Combination12%
Indemnification
(72% in 2010 Eur. Study)
(5% in 2010 Eur. Study)
(10% in 2010 Eur. Study)
(13% in 2010 Eur. Study)
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Merers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 71
Baskets as % of Transaction Value*
≤ 0.5%
> 0.5% to1%
> 1% to 2%
> 2%
(42%)
(31%)
(17%)
(11%)
40%
40%
12%
7%
Deals in 2013 Eur. StudyDeals in 2010 Eur. Study
Indemnification
(Subset: basket is a Threshold)
(Subset: basket is a Deductible)
* Data shown are for baskets applicable to total claims; separate thresholds or deductibles may also apply on a claim-by-claim basis or for breaches of specific representations or covenants.
≤ 0.5%
> 0.5% to 1%
> 1% to 2%
> 2%
(43%)
(21%)
(29)%
(7%)
33%
50%
17%
0%
Deals in 2013 Eur. StudyDeals in 2010 Eur. Study
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Merers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 72
Baskets – General Coverage and Carve Outs
Indemnification
(Subset: deals with baskets)
Other Indemnity Claims
Breaches of Seller / TargetCovenants
Breaches of Seller / Target Repsand Warranties
20%
32%
90%
* Examples of most common carve outs: taxes, fundamental title and authority representations and fraud.
Basket applies to:
Basket with NoCarve Outs
53%
Basket with Carve Outs
47%
Basket Carve Outs*
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Merers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 73
Baskets as % of Transaction Value (statistical summary)*
Basket Type Mean Median Minimum Maximum
Deductible 0.73% (0.97% in 2010 Eur. Study)
0.92% (0.86% in 2010 Eur. Study)
0.06% (0.10% in 2010 Eur. Study)
1.25% (3.75% in 2010 Eur. Study)
Threshold 0.99% (0.89% in 2010 Eur. Study)
0.67% (0.66% in 2010 Eur. Study)
0.06% (0.001% in 2010 Eur.
Study)
7.50% (5.00% in 2010 Eur. Study)
All Baskets (other than Combination)
0.94% (0.90% in 2010 Eur. Study)
0.78% (0.71% in 2010 Eur. Study)
– –
Indemnification
* Data for baskets applicable to total claims; carve outs or separate thresholds or deductibles may also apply on a claim-by-claim basis or for breaches of specific representations or covenants.
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 74
Eligible Claim Threshold
Indemnification
(Subset: deals with baskets) Sellers shall not be required to indemnify Buyer for any
individual item where the Loss relating to such claim (or series of claims arising from the same or substantially similar facts or circumstances) is less than EUR_______.
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 75
Eligible Claim Threshold
Indemnification
(Subset: deals with baskets)
Includes Eligible Claim Threshold
88%
No Eligible Claim Threshold
12%
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Merers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 76
“Double Materiality” Scrape (materiality qualification in representations disregarded)
Indemnification
Materiality qualification in representations disregarded for all indemnification-related purposes
For purposes of this Article VIII (Indemnification), the representations and warranties of Target shall not be deemed qualified by any references to materiality or to Material Adverse Effect. Materiality qualification in representations disregarded for calculation of damages/losses only
For the sole purpose of determining Losses (and not for determining whether or not any breaches of representations or warranties have occurred), the representations and warranties of Target shall not be deemed qualified by any references to materiality or to Material Adverse Effect.
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 77
“Double Materiality” Scrape (materiality qualification in reps disregarded)
Indemnification
(Subset: deals with baskets)
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 78
Caps*
Breaches of Reps
Only41%
Other**22%
All Breaches
37%
Indemnification
Cap applies to:
(Subset: includes cap
= 96%) Silent or
Express No Cap4%
Cap Less Than
Purchase Price83%
Cap Equal to
Purchase Price13%
* Data for caps generally applicable to contractual indemnification obligations; carve-outs or separate caps may apply for specific kinds of claims (see “Cap Carve-Outs”, slide 80).
** E.g., specific indemnities and the obligation to continue the business in the ordinary course after signing.
(7% in 2010 Eur. Study) (10% in 2010 Eur. Study)
(7% in 2010 Eur. Study)
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 79
Cap Amounts as % of Transaction Value
Mean Median Minimum Maximum
34% 20% 2.9%* 100%
Indemnification
(Subset: deals with determinable cap)
** One deal with a transaction value of €190 million but aggregate total liability of all the Sellers limited to €5 million.
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Merers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 80
Cap Carve Outs
(Subset: cap with carve outs)
Indemnification
* Example of other carve outs: pending litigation, gross negligence.
Cap Carveouts
(Subset: deals with caps)
Cap with no Carve Outs
25%(22% in EUR 2010
Study)
Cap with Carve Outs75%
(78% in EUR 2010 Study)
30%
5%
11%
30%
3%
21%
45%
11%
2%
2%
4%
29%
29%
23%
2%
Other*
Breach of Seller's / Target's Covenants
Intentional Breach of Seller's / Target's Reps
Fraud
Title to / Sufficiency of Assets (Rep)
Taxes (Rep)
Ownership of Shares (Rep)
No Conflicts (Rep)
Intellectual Property (Rep)
Environmental (Rep)
Employee Benefits / ERISA (Rep)
Due Organization (Rep)
Due Authority (Rep)
Capitalization (Rep)
Broker's / Finder's Fees (Rep)
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Merers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 81
Indemnification as Exclusive Remedy*
Yes, for Breaches of ANY Provision
50%
Yes, for Breaches of Representations
ONLY**16%
No***34%
* Indemnification provisions in the agreement provide that they are the sole remedy, to the exclusion of statutory remedies. ** Includes one deal where indemnification is the exclusive remedy for breaches of Seller’s/Target’s representations and covenants. *** Includes express statements that indemnification is not the exclusive remedy and deals where this point is not expressly addressed.
Indemnification
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Merers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 82
IntentionalMisrepresentation
Fraud
Breach of Covenant
Other*
9%
26%
7%
7%
(11%)
(30%)
(8%)
(8%)
Deals in 2013 Eur. Study
Deals in 2010 Eur. Study
Indemnification as Exclusive Remedy – Carve Outs
* Examples of other carve outs: willful misconduct, gross negligence.
Indemnification
(Subset: deals with indemnification as exclusive remedy)
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Merers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 83
Right of Seller to Remedy a Breach
Indemnification
Does the agreement include a clause giving Seller an opportunity to remedy its breach before Buyer may institute action?
No60%
(59% in 2010 Eur. Study)
Yes40%
(41% in 2010 Eur. Study)
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 84
Control of Defense Against Third-Party Claims
Indemnification
Buyer controls defense: Buyer shall notify Seller of any claim against Target which could give rise to Seller’s
indemnification obligation. Buyer shall control the defense of such claim and shall inform Seller from time to time of the progress thereof.
Seller’s consultation rights: Buyer shall notify Seller of any claim against Target which could give rise to Seller’s
indemnification obligation and shall consult Seller on any material steps to be taken in defense of any such claim, including prior to any consent to entry of judgment or settlement thereof.
Seller’s defense rights: . . . provided, however, that Seller may at its expense conduct and control, through
counsel of its own choosing reasonably acceptable to Buyer, the settlement or defense of such claim, and provided further that Seller shall not consent to entry of judgment or settlement thereof without Buyer’s prior written approval.
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Merers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 85
Control of Defense Against Third-Party Claims
Silent18%
(33% in 2010 Eur. Study)
Seller's Defense Rights44%
(41% in 2010 Eur. Study)
Buyer Controls Defense but Seller May Have Consultation Rights
34%(19% in 2010 Eur. Study)
Other Arrangement*5%
(7% in 2010 Eur. Study)
Indemnification
* Example of other arrangement: Sellers shall be entitled to participate in (but not control) the defense of any external claim with its own counsel and at its own expense.
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Merers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 86
None
Other*
Environmental
Employment
Taxes
32%
37%
53%
9%
18%
Stand-Alone Indemnities (items for which indemnification specifically provided regardless of
indemnification for breaches of representations and warranties)
Indemnification
* Other stand-alone indemnities concerned specific indemnities for fines and penalties, IT & IP matters and specified litigation.
(Subset: deals with survival provisions)
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Merers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 87
Security for Payment of Seller’s Indemnification Obligations
Indemnification
* Examples of other security arrangements: parent guarantee, holdbacks on the purchase price.
No Security Mechanism
51%
Security Mechanism
49%
(Subset: security mechanism included)
Other*
BankGuarantee
Third-PartyEscrow
Arrangement
(23%)
(6%)
(37%)
50%
27%
47%
Deals in 2013 Eur. StudyDeals in 2010 Eur. Study
(34% in 2010 Eur. Study)
(66% in 2010 Eur. Study)
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Merers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 88
Escrow/Holdbacks
* Includes deals where the escrow/holdback is the exclusive remedy but with one or more exceptions.
Indemnification
(Subset: deals with survival provisions)
Escrow/Holdback Is Exclusive Remedy
10%
No Escrow/Holdback33%
Escrow/Holdback Is Not Exclusive Remedy*
57%
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 89
Escrows/Holdbacks as % of Transaction Value
Indemnification
(Subset: deals with determinable escrows/holdbacks)
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 90
Escrows/Holdbacks as % of Transaction Value (statistical summary)
Indemnification
(Subset: deals with determinable escrows/holdbacks)
Mean
Median
Minimum
Maximum
9% 8.53%
0.40%
25.00%
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Merers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 91
Private Target M&A Studies Comparative Data re Indemnification
Indemnification
2011 US Study 2013 European
Study Includes Basket 95% 91%
Threshold Basket Only 31% 66%
Combination Threshold Basket and Deductible 5% 12%
Deductible Only 59% 13% Cap on Indemnification: 93% 96%
Cap = purchase price 7% 13%
Silent or express no Cap 7% 4%
Indemnification expressly stated to be Exclusive Remedy of Buyer (subject to Carve Outs) 92% 67%
Includes Pro-Sandbagging Provision 41% 22%
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 92
Dispute Resolution
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 93
Dispute Resolution Mechanism
Courts*36% Mediation
Then Arbitration
3%
Arbitration61%
ICC Rules13%
National / Local
A rbitration Bodies85%
Ad-hoc Arbitration**
2%
Arbitral Rules Chosen
Dispute Resolution
(Subset: arbitration, with or without mediation)
* Includes one deal with no dispute-resolution clause. ** Represents one deal in which a local arbitration institution was the appointing
authority in case of failure to appoint an arbitrator, but its rules were not applicable to the proceedings. *** Does not reflect provisions, if any, in chosen arbitration rules re allocation of expenses.
Silent78%
Determined by the
Arbitrator(s)15%
Loser Pays5%
Split Evenly2%
Provisions in SPA re Expenses***(71% in 2010 Eur. Study)
64%
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 94
Private Target M&A Studies Comparative Data re Dispute Resolution
Dispute Resolution
2011 US Study 2013 European Study
Alternative dispute resolution (mediation and arbitration)
Mediation then arbitration 2% Arbitration (without mediation) 16%
Mediation then arbitration 3% Arbitration (without mediation) 61%
Of deals choosing abitration:
- Arbitral rules applicable
AAA 50%
JAMS 28%
Other 22%
National/ local arbitration bodies 85%
ICC 13%
Ad-hoc arbitration 2%
- Provisions in agreements re allocation of expenses
Determined by the arbitrator(s) 0%
Loser pays 38%
Split evenly or apportioned 34%
Silent 28%
Determined by the arbitrator(s) 15%
Loser pays 5%
Split evenly 2%
Silent 78%
M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, Mergers & Acquisitions Committee, http://apps.americanbar.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CL560003 2013 European Private Target Study, slide 95
Mergers & Acquisitions Committee “Where the World’s Leading Dealmakers Meet”
The Mergers & Acquisitions Committee was founded in the late 1980s and has over 4,000 members, including practitioners from all 50 states, five Canadian provinces and more than 53 different countries on five continents. The Committee is home to the world’s leading merger and acquisition (M&A) attorneys and many other deal professionals such as investment bankers, accountants, and consultants. In addition, over ten percent of committee membership includes in-house counsel.
Market Trends Studies Get state-of-the-art market metrics in negotiated acquisitions with the Committee’s benchmark studies covering not only U.S. but also Canadian and EU deals. The studies, produced by the Committee’s M&A Market Trends Subcommittee, have become essential resources for deal lawyers, investment bankers, corporate dealmakers, PE investors, and others interested in “what’s market” for critical legal deal points in M&A. The Committee regularly produces the Private Target Deal Points Study, the Strategic Buyer/Public Target Deal Points Study, the Canadian Private Target Deal Points Study, and the Continental Europe Private Target Deal Points Study. The studies, as well as updates (and Update Alerts), are available free of charge to Committee members only.
Knowledge and Networking The Committee meets regularly three times a year at the ABA Annual Meeting, Section Spring Meeting, and a Fall Committee Meeting. All Committee materials and resources used in CLE programs on M&A-related topics presented both at ABA meetings and in other forums are accessible to all members via the Section’s online Program Library. These programs bring together panels of experienced M&A practitioners from law firms and corporate law departments, as well as those in academia and others outside the legal profession who are experts in their field.
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