ICSID Tribunal Finds That Colombia Violated the Minimum Standard of Treatment but Did Not Indirectly Expropriate the Investment in Eco Oro v. Colombia - In September 2021, an.
COVID-19’s Impact on M&A Transactions and Material Adverse Effect Clauses
The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to many M&A-related disputes. By some estimates, over 3,000 commercial cases were filed in U.S. federal courts alone as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. This figure does not account for numerous COVID-related disputes that were filed in U.S. state courts. Given that many transactions involving Latin American parties incorporate New York law or are based on provisions developed under New York law, these decisions may be of particular interest to companies doing business in Latin America.
In a number of the cases, the dispute turns on a provision common to M&A transactions, namely the material adverse event or effect (MAE) clause (sometimes referred to as the material adverse change (MAC) clause). An MAE/MAC clause, subject to its specific terms, may excuse a buyer from its obligation to close where the seller experiences a significant change in condition after signing and