The impact of M&A regulations in Europe and the UK

The impact of M&A regulations in Europe and the UK

Dealmakers must be aware of the implications of recent regulations to effectively manage their transactions and mitigate risks. In this article, we outline some of the most important regulations and offer strategies to adapt to this changing landscape.

New Regulations and their Impact

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

Since its implementation in May 2018, GDPR has been a cornerstone in data protection in Europe. In the context of M&A, GDPR imposes strict obligations on how personal data is handled. During a transaction, it is crucial to conduct thorough due diligence to guarantee that the target company's data handling practices comply with GDPR. Fines for violations can reach up to 4% of a company's annual global turnover, significantly increasing the financial risks associated with M&A transactions.

Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive

The EU has recently adopted the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, which requires companies to identify and mitigate the adverse impacts of their operations on human rights and the environment. This directive affects large European companies and those companies operating within the EU. Moreover, it has direct implications for M&A transactions. Companies must consider sustainability factors when evaluating acquisitions, which adds another layer of complexity and may potentially influence the valuation and structure of transactions.

UK Competition Law

The UK, through the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), has taken a stricter stance on reviewing M&A transactions. A recent example is the CMA's intervention in Meta's acquisition of Giphy, which was blocked due to concerns about competition in the digital advertising market. The CMA confirmed that it will continue to rigorously assess transactions that could affect competition, which can add uncertainty for dealmakers.

From our perspective, while these regulations may appear to be obstacles, they represent an opportunity for companies to demonstrate their commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices. Transparency and diligence in complying with these regulations can enhance corporate reputation and build trust among investors, consumers, and other stakeholders.

Strategies

In this regulatory environment, companies should adopt several key strategies:

1.       Early regulatory risk assessment: Include a detailed analysis of the potential impact of regulations from the early stages of transaction planning to develop appropriate mitigation strategies.

2.     Collaboration with legal and compliance experts: Working closely with legal advisors and compliance experts is essential. These professionals can provide guidance on how to comply with current regulations and anticipate potential regulatory changes.

3.     Transparency and communication: Maintain clear and transparent communication with all stakeholders, including regulators. This not only helps build trust but can also facilitate the approval process and reduce the chances of regulatory delays.

As regulators continue to strengthen their oversight, we are likely to see an increase in approval requests and the number of conditions imposed on M&A transactions. However, companies that prepare adequately and adopt a proactive approach will be better positioned to seize opportunities arising from new contexts.