The IT, Business Services and Media Sector includes the firm’s engagement with companies in the following segments: professional service firms; HR services; technology companies; testing and inspection services; security services firms as well as publishing; music; film; television; advertising and radio. This sector team works closely with Linklaters' TMT practice specialists.
Linklaters has long standing relationships with the Big Four accounting organisations which include supporting them in their most high profile insolvency work. The firm is the leading advisor on their global network structuring as well as risk management and in major litigation and arbitration cases. Clients also benefit from specialist expertise which addresses the key issues for large professional services firms, in particular IT outsourcing and data privacy/information governance.
Technology companies from around the world, including India, China, Brazil and Europe come to Linklaters for advisory and contractual work, including international M&A and competition/antitrust advice, legal advisory support on matters such as outsourcing, pensions and share schemes. The firm also advises on a range of other issues for technology companies such as IP aspects of software R&D, patent work and litigation. Clients include diversified technology companies and IT services, software and hardware companies.
The media industry has felt the impact of the global economic downturn with Corporates and investors in the sector witnessing asset valuations falling significantly. Advertising revenues for both radio and television are down, in part due to the proliferation of digital multi-channels and the impact new technologies are having on delivery and access of media. Consolidation is a likely response in the broadcasting industry, itself already affected by the consequences of the piracy of music, film and TV. Digital technology and convergence remains a major issue in the sector as improved broadband access influences investment in new distribution models and raises challenges in relation to such issues as the protection of content rights.
With the 2008-2012 UK Government-driven digital switchover programme continuing to roll out, Linklaters’ significant experience in advising on all aspects of digital terrestrial television broadcast transmission agreements, multiplex capacity and carriage agreements, and the UK digital switchover project generally, has enabled Linklaters to reaffirm its reputation as a leading adviser in the digital terrestrial television market.
Media companies and broadcasters come to Linklaters for integrated and market-leading corporate/M&A, regulatory and competition practices and IP and TMT expertise. The firm has notable experience of advising on the restructuring of media groups, asset finance and tax-related media work and the structuring of open and closed media investment funds.
Linklaters advises many U.S.-domiciled businesses, particularly in relation to their strategically important interests in Europe and Asia, where the firm’s ability to deal with complex multijurisdictional matters is unrivalled. With the burgeoning business services, technology and media sectors in India, China and Brazil in particular, Linklaters is uniquely well placed for the future growth of these markets.
With the global economic outlook likely to remain volatile in the short to medium term, restructuring and insolvency work continues to be an area of increasing demand for Linklaters’ expert and global legal advisory services. As finding credit continues to be relatively restricted, Linklaters’ expertise in areas such as equity financing is also increasingly sought after in these sectors.
To discuss legal issues with Linklaters’ global IT, business services and media sector team, please contact sector leaders Arun Balasubramanian, Florian Drinhausen or Elisabet Lundgren.
Find out more about Linklaters’ IT, business services and media capabilities from sector manager Devonee Welch (44 20) 7456 5771.
