Thank You, Next - Corporate M&A

Seat moves are exciting and busy times. Here's a little insight and a helping hand should you rotate into Corporate M&A.

What tasks have you particularly enjoyed in this seat?

I initially joined my seat early to assist on a large multi-jurisdictional transaction. My tasks were more administrative (maintaining a 140+ page docs list, liaising with overseas counsel and lots of post-completion work) but were great in that they afforded me the time to understand a complex transaction. Subsequently, I've really enjoyed the drafting aspect of the seat. In particular, drafting board minutes, resolutions, other ancillary documents, core transaction documents and updating a firm precedent core transaction document.

What have you learned in this seat that will help in your career?

Good question!

Firstly, when carrying out due diligence I've learned to issue spot more effectively. Essentially, this has enabled me to think more commercially in terms of needs of the client and their business, especially whether a particular issue that I've identified will be a deal breaker for them or if it's something that can be negotiated or whether a more cost-effective and efficient solution would be better.

Secondly, using a documents list or tracker properly really does help you stay organised and makes completion a lot smoother.

Lastly, it's sometimes easier to just pick up the phone to a client.

What are your top tips for other trainees to hit the ground running in this seat?

1. When drafting board minutes and/or shareholder resolutions, first print off a copy of the model articles and begin "striking through" as required alongside the company articles. An easy way to impress.
2. Use more than one precedent as a starting point. Consider what is appropriate to your transaction and whether it's current. Be mindful that the mechanics of a transaction can change.
3. Listen carefully to instructions and don't be afraid to ask questions, oh and carry a note pad.
4. If you ask the corporate PSL (Rosie) nicely, she will let you use her paperback copy of the CA 2006.