In Verisk Analytics Inc. et al. v. AccuLynx.com et al., the Vice Chancellor ruled entirely in AccuLynx’s favor, ordering Verisk to continue to pursue the transaction and pay damages.
Retained by King & Spalding
Background
Verisk, a global insurance data and analytics provider, announced its intent to acquire AccuLynx, a SaaS platform for roofing contractors, in July 2025 at a $2.35 billion valuation. As the parties sought regulatory approval from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the deal stalled past the termination date. Verisk then purported to terminate the merger agreement.
Damages and Valuation Analysis
Counsel for AccuLynx retained Cornerstone Research to support Drew Pascarella of Cornell University, an expert in M&A and valuation. Mr. Pascarella submitted an expert report under an expedited schedule addressing valuation and damages issues. At trial, he testified on AccuLynx’s valuation range and quantified the damages suffered by AccuLynx and its shareholders under two alternative scenarios: one in which specific performance was granted (i.e., ordering Verisk to perform under the merger agreement, including pursuing FTC clearance of the acquisition), and one in which it was not.
Chancery Court Victory
In August 2026, following a one-week trial, the Vice Chancellor of the Delaware Court of Chancery ruled entirely in AccuLynx’s favor, awarding specific performance and an additional payment of $3.85 million plus interest in damages. The damages award ordered by the court was consistent with the estimate Mr. Pascarella provided as part of his testimony.