Congress has passed a law mandating nationwide compliance with California’s flammability standard for upholstered furniture.
Continue Reading National Flammability Standard for Upholstered Furniture to Take Effect in June 2021
US M&A Outlook for 2021 Appears Positive, Driven in Part by SPACs
Corporate executives are optimistic about M&A activity in 2021, with 53% of U.S. CEOs in a recent PwC survey stating that their companies planned to increase M&A activity in the coming year. Despite the economic challenges faced in 2020, in large part due to the COVID-19 pandemic, other factors, such as record low interest rates and significant amounts of corporate cash reserves and private equity capital, mean that some strategic and private equity buyers are in a strong position to engage in deal making.
Continue Reading US M&A Outlook for 2021 Appears Positive, Driven in Part by SPACs
Recall Roundup: November
The CPSC recently posted guidance on its website for consumer products related to COVID-19, including personal protective equipment.
Continue Reading Recall Roundup: November
First Judgment Upholding Coverage for COVID-19 Business-Interruption Losses
In a resounding victory for policyholders, a North Carolina court ruled that “all-risk” property insurance policies cover the business-interruption losses suffered by 16 restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Continue Reading First Judgment Upholding Coverage for COVID-19 Business-Interruption Losses
CPSC Issues COVID-19 Guidance on Personal Protective Equipment Intended for Consumers
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has released COVID-19 guidance confirming that certain personal protective equipment must comply with CPSC regulations, including testing, certification, labeling, and recordkeeping requirements.
Continue Reading CPSC Issues COVID-19 Guidance on Personal Protective Equipment Intended for Consumers
Got COVID-19 “Claims”: Recent US EPA Enforcement under FIFRA Emphasizes Compliance Demands on Pesticide Product Supply Chains, especially for Products Claiming to be Effective against Coronavirus
In the age of COVID-19, demand for surface wipes, sprays and similar products is at record levels. To meet this surging demand, manufacturers have ramped up production and new entrants are pouring into this market space in unprecedented numbers.
Continue Reading Got COVID-19 “Claims”: Recent US EPA Enforcement under FIFRA Emphasizes Compliance Demands on Pesticide Product Supply Chains, especially for Products Claiming to be Effective against Coronavirus
Lease Implications of Curbside Pickup
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take its toll on retail businesses throughout the country, the phenomenon of curbside pickup has spread from coast to coast. With some evidence suggesting that retail customers may continue to prefer curbside pickup over traditional in-store pickup for the foreseeable future, retail businesses and their landlords should consider the potential lease implications of initiating or expanding curbside pickup programs.
Continue Reading Lease Implications of Curbside Pickup
Bracing for Activist Investors in the Retail Industry
Many retailers are preparing for an increase in shareholder activism in late 2020 and early 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic largely sidelined activist hedge funds in the spring, but as investors and companies have evolved to the “new normal,” activist hedge funds will start engaging with new targets. The retail industry has been severely affected by the pandemic and is particularly vulnerable to activists who accumulate shares at historically low prices and then pressure companies to shift strategy.
Continue Reading Bracing for Activist Investors in the Retail Industry
NLRB Memo Reminds Employers: COVID-19 Does Not Excuse Labor Law Violations
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause uncertainty for employers across the country, but, as the National Labor Relations Board reiterated on September 18, it does not excuse labor law violations.
Continue Reading NLRB Memo Reminds Employers: COVID-19 Does Not Excuse Labor Law Violations
With Retail Bankruptcies on the Rise, Opportunities for Distressed M&A Increase
While there were already a number of high profile retail bankruptcies in 2019, current economic conditions and pandemic-related market challenges have exacerbated an already difficult retail environment, which has led to a significant increase in bankruptcies in 2020.
Continue Reading With Retail Bankruptcies on the Rise, Opportunities for Distressed M&A Increase