Regardless of a company’s success or confidence in its strategy, management, and board, there are few situations public companies face that are more daunting than an unsolicited approach by an activist investor. And with activist activity continuing to rise—2018 saw a record number of companies targeted by activists, a record number of activist campaigns launched, a record number of board seats won, and a rising bench of first-time activists—all companies need to be prepared.

The question is no longer whether the volatility created by the COVID-19 pandemic will deepen the difficulties businesses and other institutions face in the coming months, but by how much and in what ways. In the past few weeks, we have offered client mailings and webinars on COVID-19-related topics, and we will work to keep you informed of important developments as these issues evolve. Included below are updates to our recent commentary, with answers to questions we have been receiving.

Corporate

Impact of COVID-19 on M&A

Focus on the AB InBev and SABMiller merger