Insights from Faegre Drinker Indianapolis M&A Conference Highlighted by Indiana Lawyer, Tariffs Emerge as Key Topic

In the Indiana Lawyer article, “Tariffs Front and Center at Faegre Drinker M&A Conference,” corporate partners Jim Birge and Trevor Belden and government and regulatory partners James Sawyer and Mollie Sitkowski provided an overview of hot topics affecting mergers and acquisitions in various industries at Faegre Drinker’s 12^th annual M&A Conference.

Belden noted that while topics like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity often dominate discussion among M&A attorneys, uncertainty in global trade caused by tariffs were top-of-mind for many at the conference. Birge, noting that the conference agenda is outlined months ahead of the event, said one conference panel, titled “Navigating Deals Through the Recent Waves of Tariffs and Trade Actions,” was especially timely.

Sawyer and Sitkowski noted that given the current uncertainty surrounding the trade market, it’s often difficult for clients to “keep up and plan” because of the tariffs. Sitkowski added that with tariffs comes an increased focus on due diligence and risk mitigation, especially in trade with China.

“It’s going to be a whole new world next years when you’re doing due diligence,” Sitkowski noted.