Assessing and Protecting Yourself from the Corruption Risks When Acquiring an Industrial Business

Grégoire Finance, Partner, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, France

In recent years, we have seen a growing demand for compliance around the world, in particular in the heavy industry business. Reasons for that is of course the increase in sanctions implemented in the United States, and now by other countries as well. Authorities and businesses have had a high scrutiny on commercial agents and compliance departments have blossomed in multinational companies. With such potential liabilities existing within businesses, the mergers and acquisitions world has to remain vigilant and properly assess the risk of corruption-related liabilities when assessing the risks of buying a target.