ARTICLE
23 March 2021

2020 Transactions Year In Review

JD
Jones Day

Contributor

Jones Day is a global law firm with more than 2,500 lawyers across five continents. The Firm is distinguished by a singular tradition of client service; the mutual commitment to, and the seamless collaboration of, a true partnership; formidable legal talent across multiple disciplines and jurisdictions; and shared professional values that focus on client needs.
2020 took uncertainty to new heights.
Worldwide Corporate/Commercial Law

2020 took uncertainty to new heights. Deals came to an abrupt halt in Q2 as corporates focused on preserving cash and stabilizing their businesses in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Private equity firms looked for nontraditional ways to invest money. The real estate finance market essentially froze for several months. Only the debt financing markets defied gravity, thanks to low interest rates and government support of the capital markets. 

The third quarter showed a marked uptick in deal activity, leading to an explosion of deals in Q4, once a better understanding of the pandemic's impact and a renewed confidence in valuations took hold. 

Corporate governance practices changed, not only due to the pandemic, but in response to movements to address systemic racism, police brutality, and other social justice issues. While shareholder activists took a step back in 2020, ESG trends came into sharper focus. 

Against this backdrop, Jones Day helped clients find creative solutions to novel challenges around the world, from transformative acquisitions to SPAC transactions to green financings. 

As vaccines roll out across the globe, will 2021 kick off the "Roaring Twenties"? Which sectors will lead the way? 

Read more in Jones Day's 2020 Transactions Year in Review.

Attachments

2020 Transactions Year in Review.pdf

Originally published February 2021.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.



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