Virus-Related Merger Breakdowns Draw Suits Trying to Force Deals

The number of lawsuits asking courts to keep mergers on track is likely to grow as the coronavirus scrambles business deals worldwide and acquirers balk at the uncertainty, experts say.

Elizabeth M. Donley, a Hogan Lovells US LLP partner who focuses on cross-border transactions, told Bloomberg Law she anticipates many cases “where parties are looking closely at the language in M&A deals” signed before the pandemic “and evaluating how to factor in” the virus’ impact.

Three cases have been filed in recent days asking courts to block a suddenly reluctant acquirer from breaking off a merger at the ...