Given the instability of credit markets, the slowdown in activity among domestic M&A buyers and the low US dollar, the US emerged as an attractive destination in 2007 for in-bound, cross-border deals. As foreign buyers increase, foreign law firms and lenders could also benefit.

Since 2003, the beginning of the global merger boom, there has been a steady increase in the number of US acquisitions made by foreign companies. Their share of such deals has increased to 20%, from 11% in 2003, according to Dealogic. Some of these foreign buyers are looking to the US as an opposite hedge to investing in emerging markets. The US is seen as a market where there are stable companies, with good investment environments.