Next Level Due Diligence
Nearly every M&A transaction begins with a look at the possibilities: the strategic fit; the synergies; the drivers for the deal. Naturally enough, the next step will turn to an evaluation of risk. Traditionally, legal exposure from toxic tort and other forms of product liability has rated high on the list of issues to identify and protect against — up there with environmental liabilities and compliance exposures. Recently, however, eye-popping damage awards have raised the stakes, suggesting that acquirers may...