A Dec. 16 Law360 article titled “Oil Price Drop Loomed Large Over Energy M&A In 2014” discusses five trends attorneys observed in energy-related mergers and acquisitions: the influence of falling oil prices, investors pushing for “pure plays,” billion-dollar deals in the power sector, mergers of oilfield service companies and acquisitions of solar energy companies. In quoted material, McGuireWoods partner Michael Woodard describes a recent increase in solar M&A activity at the construction stage. He notes, however, that due to a looming tax credit deadline, buyers in 2015 likely will target projects that can be completed the fastest while producing the most energy; those with permitting and environmental issues will appeal less to buyers. Subscribers can read the full text of the article at www.law360.com.