Book Overview: "Takeovers Law & Strategy" by Rodd Levy

Key Themes and Content

"Takeovers Law & Strategy" by Rodd Levy is a comprehensive guide to the laws, procedures, and strategies involved in takeover bids in Australia. The book has been a leading source of practical and technical guidance for over 25 years, making it an essential resource for anyone involved in takeover activity.

Key Themes:

1. Practical Guidance: The book provides detailed commentary on practical issues that arise in conducting or responding to a takeover bid.
2. Technical and Practical Issues: It considers a myriad of technical and practical issues confronted by bidders, target companies, directors, and shareholders.
3. New Developments: The 6th edition includes topics and issues considered in more than 130 decisions handed down by the Takeovers Panel since 2017. It extensively revises to deal with developments affecting various aspects of takeovers, including:
   • Corporate Collective Investment Vehicle regime
   • Foreign investment approval requirements
   • Rules for approving anti-competitive takeovers
   • Factors relevant to deciding between a scheme of arrangement or a takeover bid
   • 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 narrative plot but rather serves as a comprehensive guide to the legal and strategic aspects of takeover bids. It covers the entire lifecycle of a takeover, from planning and execution to responding to a bid, providing detailed insights into the legal frameworks and practical strategies involved.

Critical Reception

While there is no specific critical reception available in the provided sources, the book's reputation and utility are evident from its continuous publication and revision over 25 years. It is widely regarded as an essential resource for lawyers, company directors and executives, investment bankers, and students involved in takeover activity in Australia.

Edition and Availability

The book is available in its 6th edition, which is extensively revised to reflect recent developments in takeover law and strategy. It can be purchased from various online retailers, including Thomson Reuters, Booktopia, and Angus & Robertson, with a recommended retail price of $260.00.