Michel Feldman and Meghan Cousino Published in ACG Chicago Journal
“Achieving Success in Cross-Border M&A”

Seyfarth Corporate attorneys Michel Feldman and Meghan Cousino’s article, “Achieving Success in Cross-Border M&A,” was published in the June 2011 issue of the ACG Chicago Journal. In the article, Michel and Meghan outline the fundamental components of and potential roadblocks to the successful acquisition of a middle-market U.S. company by a foreign purchaser.

According to Michel and Meghan, one of the most important steps a foreign company should take at the start of the acquisition process is to enlist the aid of experts with knowledge of the target’s industry and the middle market. A qualified investment banker, as well as U.S. accounting and legal help, are essential.

Some of the possible challenges for foreign buyers include language barriers, time zone issues, cultural and ethical differences, U.S. government filing requirements, and restrictions on foreign purchase and direct investment in U.S. companies which are related to national security. “It is because of these issues, as well as the legal risks, that foreign purchasers need U.S. advisors whom they can trust and upon whom they can rely,” the authors assert.