Merger and acquisition activity is set to heat up this year.
Would-be buyers need to be prepared to face more than reluctant shareholders and board members, says Sharon Geraghty. She points to Ottawa's rejection last year of BHP Billiton’s US$38.6 billion offer for Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan.
Because shareholders have become more vocal, acquirers must now think ahead and anticipate what investors may not like about a certain deal, said Patrice Walch-Watson. Once the prickly topics have been identified, firms will have to address these issues and explain their reasoning before they can expect a takeover to go through unhindered.
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