Mark Pendleton Quoted in Bloomberg Law on Shutdown's Impact on Mergers

Bradley attorney Mark Pendleton was quoted in Bloomberg Law discussing how the ongoing government shutdown is slowing the approval process for mergers.

Government agencies are operating with reduced staff, causing companies seeking merger approvals to face longer wait times. The delays are especially pronounced in industries such as technology, energy, and health care, which typically face greater regulatory scrutiny.

Pendleton summed up the issue: “Time kills transactions.” He noted that it’s becoming increasingly difficult for attorneys to advise clients, as the length of the delay remains uncertain.

“There certainly is a tendency to want to have a clear understanding of what the government review process will be before engaging in the transaction,” Pendleton explained.

The uncertainty is making dealmakers anxious. Many are hoping the standoff is short-lived and that operations return to normal soon.

“Everyone’s hoping this is a game of chicken,” Pendleton said.

The full article, “Shutdown Threatens to Add Merger Costs, Delay Deal Approvals,” was published by Bloomberg Law on Oct. 10, 2025. (login required)