As the COVID-19 pandemic creates turbulence in global financial markets and propels investors into a race for liquidity, we are beginning to see investment funds grappling with some of the issues they had confronted in 2007–2009 during the global financial crisis (the GFC). ...

The debt facility is linked to Wesfarmers' progress on two internal Environmental and Social Governance ( ESG ) targets – to reduce carbon emissions in its chemical operations and ambitious targets ...

In its latest compliance update, ASX reiterated that entities in financial difficulty (including with respect to their debt arrangements) will receive no special treatment. On earnings guidance, it was acknowledged that many listed entities have taken the opportunity to withdraw guidance issued before the outbreak of COVID-19. ASX also strongly encouraged entities to review their published guidance in light of COVID-19 and to either update it if it was not current or withdraw it in this highly uncertain climate. ...

An analysis of the practical implications of COVID-19 on corporate financing transactions and a summary of some key documentation issues that arise because of this global issue, along with tips to address them. ...

VetPartners is a Sydney-based owner and operator of more than 140 veterinary clinics in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. The acquisition of more than 100 NVC veterinary clinics will increase ...

The new Vietnam merger control regime prescribed under the new Law on Competition and Decree 35/2020/ND-CP dated 24 March 2020 will take effect from 15 May 2020. This new regime will have a significant impact on M&A transactions in Vietnam, as it substantially expands the scope of transactions subj ...

Data remains one of the most undervalued assets, with most companies still failing to even include it as an asset on their balance sheet. Buyers and sellers who can recognise data assets and properly demonstrate how value can be extracted from them will be best placed for future M&A transactions. ...

The Equator Principles Association unveiled the finalised fourth version of the Equator Principles (EP4) on 18 November 2019. Set for an effective date of 1 July 2020, EP4 heightens requirements for designated OECD countries and tightens due diligence assessments with a greater focus on human rights, climate change and biodiversity. While there are many improvements and refinements from the draft we reviewed in June, the only potentially material change is a compromise on the 'free prior and informed consent' requirement for affected Indigenous communities. ...

In response to the rapid growth of the e-payment market in Vietnam, the State Bank of Vietnam (the SBV) has reviewed the legal framework regulating the sector and proposed some important changes. In this Insight, we set out the key amendments the SBV has already issued – as well as those in the pipeline – and their potential impact on the intermediary payment services market. ...

A number of industries and issues are in the spotlight following release of the ACCC's 2020 Enforcement and Compliance Priorities by Chairman Rod Sims on 25 February. ...