"Takeovers Law and Strategy" by Rodd Levy is a comprehensive guide to the laws, procedures, and tactics involved in takeover bids in Australia. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Practical Guidance: The book provides practical and comprehensive guidance to the laws and procedures involved in takeovers bids in Australia. It covers a wide range of technical and practical issues that bidders, target companies, directors, and shareholders encounter during the planning, execution, and response to a takeover bid.

2. Legal Developments: The 6th edition includes detailed commentary on new developments and issues considered in more than 130 decisions handed down by the Takeovers Panel since 2017. This includes topics such as:

   • Corporate Collective Investment Vehicle regime.
   • Foreign investment approval requirements.
   • Rules for approving anti-competitive takeovers.
   • Factors relevant to deciding whether to use a scheme of arrangement or a takeover bid.
   • The financial assistance prohibition.
   • Conflicts of interests.
   • Disclosure of equity derivatives.
   • Shareholder intention statements.
   • Takeover bid implementation agreements.
   • Takeover bid conditions.
   • Truth in takeovers.
   • Exclusivity granted during pre-bid discussions.
   • Shareholder applications to the Takeovers Panel.
   • Delisting post-takeover despite minority shareholdings.

Plot Summary

The book does not have a traditional plot summary as it is a legal guide. Instead, it is structured to provide in-depth analysis and practical advice on various aspects of takeover law and strategy. It covers the entire lifecycle of a takeover bid, from planning and execution to response and post-takeover considerations.

Critical Reception

While there is no specific critical reception available in the search results, the book is widely recognized as an essential resource for anyone involved or interested in takeover activity in Australia. It is praised for its comprehensive coverage of legal developments and practical guidance, making it a go-to reference for lawyers, company directors and executives, investment bankers, and students.

Editions and Availability

The book has been in publication for over 25 years, with the 6th edition being the latest release. It is available in various formats and can be purchased from leading legal bookstores and online retailers. The 6th edition is priced at $260.00 AUD, with discounts available for online purchases.