Public M&A

In the UK, Public M&A transactions are governed by the UK Takeover Code, which is regulated and enforced by the UK Takeover Panel. Companies, boards, and advisers must carefully navigate takeover transactions, complying with both the Code and the Panel’s rulings, while being mindful of the reputational risks when transacting in a public forum.

Clients often require support with structuring and executing bids, navigating the regulatory framework and managing stakeholder engagement and interactions. Expert legal guidance is required both bidder and target side throughout a bid, covering topics such as offer structure and tactics, due diligence, the offer documentation and post-completion integration - as well as advice on handling activist shareholders, emerging competing bidders and addressing sensitive governance matters.

Stephenson Harwood’s public M&A team advises UK and international clients on all aspects of public M&A offers, acting for targets, bidders, and financial advisers, as well as companies undertaking strategic reviews or sale processes. Our multi-disciplinary teams bring expertise in tax, employment, real estate, incentives, anti-trust, and finance matters, delivering seamless support at every stage. We work closely with bidder and target clients, from the initial approach to post completion integration, focusing on key value drivers and opportunities, while managing risks.

Clients choose us for our clear, outcomes-focused approach to advice, leveraging many long-term relationships that have been built on trust.