Implementation of the new market abuse regime – legislative proposal published

Short Reads - As COVID-19 spreads across the globe, companies face various legal issues related to the disease and its spread. These issues result in disruption to business, alongside the related regulatory and contractual implications. The crisis is severely affecting financial institutions and financial markets too. Both the Dutch and European financial regulators are closely monitoring the situation given the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the financial markets.

Short Reads - The COVID-19 pandemic has a significant and immediate adverse effect on many companies in different industries. Many PE portfolio companies are particularly vulnerable given the typical high leverage finance structure and inherent need to maintain cash flow. To meet these challenges and mitigate liability risks, management and owners may need to take clear and immediate action (and refrain from certain other actions) in the interest of all stakeholders. The following sets out some key legal guidelines for management and owners when dealing with a Dutch subsidiary in distress.

Short Reads - In the Benelux and wider European market, many leveraged credit agreements still include certain financial covenants (including leverage covenants, interest and cashflow covers, etc.). All of these covenants rely (directly or indirectly) on the operational performance of a company (EBITDA). As it is expected that the coronavirus outbreak will negatively affect the operations of companies in a wide variety of sectors, any consequent breaches of financial covenants are likely inevitable.

Short Reads - In view of the developments concerning the coronavirus, we hereby inform you of our business operations and the measures we take to ensure the continuity of our services to you.