Any of these factors and developments could have a material adverse effect on our business results, cash flows, financial condition, or prospects. For a discussion regarding how our financial statements have been and can be affected by our pension and healthcare benefit obligation, see Note 13, “Postretirement Benefit Plans” to the audited combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Disruptions caused by labor disputes or organized labor activities could harm our business.
A significant number of our employees around the world are members of, or represented by, labor unions and are covered by collective bargaining agreements with varying durations and expiration dates. Many of our European employees belong to, or are represented by, works councils. Union and works council requirements may limit our flexibility in managing costs and responding to market changes. In addition, employees who are not currently members of, or otherwise represented by, labor organizations may seek such membership or representation, as applicable, in the future.
We cannot ensure that existing collective bargaining agreements will prevent a strike or work stoppage at our facilities in the future, that we will be successful in negotiating new collective bargaining agreements, that such negotiations will not result in significant increases in the cost of labor, including healthcare, pensions, or other benefits, or that a breakdown in such negotiations will not result in the disruption of our operations, including by way of strikes or work stoppages. In addition, negotiations with labor unions, possible work stoppages and other labor problems could divert management attention, which could further harm our business. Furthermore, some of our customers and suppliers have unionized work forces. We may experience an adverse impact on our operating results, financial condition, cash flows, and competitive position if we are subject, directly or indirectly, to labor actions by our or our suppliers’ or customers’ employees, or as a result of general country strikes or work stoppages unrelated to our business or collective bargaining agreements.
Our reputation and our ability to conduct business may be impaired by improper conduct by any of our employees, agents, or business partners.
Misconduct, fraud, non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations, or other improper activities by any of our employees, agents, or business partners could have a significant negative impact on our business and reputation. Such misconduct could include payments to government officials, bribery, fraud, anti-kickback and false claims rules, competition, export and import compliance, money laundering, data privacy, and lobbying and similar activities. The FCPA, the U.K. Bribery Act of 2010, the Brazil Clean Companies Act, China’s Unfair Competition Law, India’s Prevention of Corruption Act, and similar anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws in other jurisdictions generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. We operate in parts of the world that have experienced governmental corruption to some degree. It is possible that the controls that we undertake to facilitate lawful conduct, which include training, internal control policies, and other safeguards to educate our employees and certain third parties, could be intentionally circumvented or become inadequate because of changed conditions. As a result, we cannot assure that our controls will protect us from reckless or criminal acts committed by our employees or agents. Any alleged or actual violations of these laws or regulations may subject us to government scrutiny, criminal, civil, or administrative sanctions, stockholder lawsuits, reputational damage, and other liabilities. In some instances, we make self-disclosures to relevant authorities who may pursue or decline to pursue enforcement proceedings against us. The costs associated with the investigation, remediation, and potential notification of any violation to customers, regulators, and counterparties could be material. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business results, cash flows, financial condition, or prospects.
Risks Relating to Technology and Intellectual Property
We may be unable to obtain, maintain, protect, or effectively enforce our intellectual property rights.
We cannot assure that our means of obtaining, maintaining, and enforcing our intellectual property rights will be adequate to maintain a competitive advantage. The laws of many jurisdictions may not protect our intellectual
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