Devolvement: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Legal Definition and Impact

Q: How can I avoid devolvement during an offering?

To minimize the risk of devolvement, ensure thorough market research and communicate effectively with potential investors.

Q: Is devolvement common?

While not unusual, devolvement can occur more frequently in volatile market conditions or during economic downturns.

Definition & Meaning

Devolvement refers to a situation in which an investment bank must buy unsold securities during a public offering due to insufficient demand from investors. This typically occurs when the market sentiment towards the security is negative, indicating a lack of interest or confidence from potential buyers. Devolvement can affect future demand for the security and may signal underlying issues with the offering or the issuer.

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Legal Use & context

Devolvement is primarily used in the context of securities law and investment banking. It is relevant during public offerings, where companies issue new shares to raise capital. Legal practitioners may encounter devolvement in transactions involving initial public offerings (IPOs) or secondary offerings. Understanding devolvement can help users navigate the complexities of securities offerings and assess the risks involved.

Key legal elements

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A technology company launches an IPO but only attracts interest for 60 percent of the shares offered. The underwriting bank steps in to purchase the remaining 40 percent, resulting in devolvement.

Example 2: A pharmaceutical company attempts to raise funds through a secondary offering. Due to negative news about a drug trial, demand falls short, leading the underwriting bank to buy the unsold shares. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term	Definition	Key Differences
Underwriting	The process by which an investment bank assesses and assumes the risk of issuing new securities.	Underwriting involves evaluating the security's market potential, while devolvement occurs when demand is insufficient.
Subscription	The agreement by investors to purchase a certain number of shares in an offering.	Subscription refers to investor interest, whereas devolvement is the bank's response to lack of subscriptions.

Common misunderstandings

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are involved in a securities offering that may experience devolvement, consider the following steps:

Assess the market conditions and investor sentiment regarding your offering.
Consult with a financial advisor or legal professional to understand the implications of devolvement.
Explore US Legal Forms for templates related to securities offerings to help manage the process effectively.

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Quick facts

Attribute	Details
Typical Fees	Varies by investment bank and offering size.
Jurisdiction	Federal and state securities laws apply.
Possible Penalties	May include financial losses for the issuing company and penalties for the bank if regulations are violated.