Why does a cross border merger take so long to complete?

If your U.S. broker is a participant, you may request a transfer of that account to IBKR via a process referred to as ACATS (Automated Customer Account Transfer Service). This process allows for the electronic transfer of securities and cash through the depository with completion of the process taking anywhere between 4 to 8 business days…

When a company you own shares in is acquired or merged, several outcomes are possible:

• Cash-out: Your shares may be converted to cash at a predetermined price per share. In this case, your account will be automatically credited with a specified amount per share once the merger is completed and IBKR receives the proceeds…

A delisted short stock position will remain in your account until either the stock starts trading again or until the time the DTC removes the shares from your account. It is unknown how long it will take for the company to dissolve and for the DTC to remove the shares…

A merger is considered a mandatory corporate action. Clients do not need to take action on mandatory corporate actions. IBKR will process mandatory corporate actions on effective date, or upon receipt of the new shares or funds from the depository or clearing agent…