Case Study: Acquisition to acquire Slack Technologies

The problem

In 2021, global software giant Salesforce proposed to acquire Slack Technologies, an enterprise collaboration platform, for $27.7billion. This was by far the largest acquisition in the 21-year history of Salesforce and one of the largest technology deals in the Australian market in 2021. Salesforce required merger clearance from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

Our solution

We acted as local competition counsel for Slack and worked with local competition counsel for Salesforce to obtaining unconditional merger clearance from the ACCC, which found that it was unlikely the acquisition would result in Salesforce preventing Slack’s rivals in team collaboration solutions from competing effectively, or that Salesforce's rivals would be disadvantaged.

Disclaimer
Clayton Utz communications are intended to provide commentary and general information. They should not be relied upon as legal advice. Formal legal advice should be sought in particular transactions or on matters of interest arising from this communication. Persons listed may not be admitted in all States and Territories.