S&C Critical Insights – M&A Leaders Discuss COVID-19 Impact on Dealmaking

Sullivan & Cromwell partners Frank Aquila, Scott Miller and Rita-Anne O’Neill discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dealmaking, both in the short and long term.

As companies adopt collaborative technology facilitating remote work, the social aspect of negotiating and executing transactions will clearly be impacted. Scott notes that the relationship-building element is critical among principles to the early stages of the transaction. Despite it becoming more complex to push deals through, dealmakers will grow accustomed to the new norm. Similarly, Rita explains that in-person negotiating sessions are key to developing relationships with management teams in the private equity space, and will pick up again once it is safe to travel.

Looking ahead, Frank predicts that business leaders will use M&A as a tool, and although it will look different, M&A activity will be just as vital to the economic landscape as it was before.

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