The following article is a primer for non-lawyers in your company on how to use material adverse change ("MAC") clauses to your company's advantage. Because business people in your company may be more cautious about doing deals since Enron and WorldCom and other recent news-making events, the article explains the importance of the material adverse change ("MAC") clause in a deal document (1) to give your company (if a buyer) a vehicle to get out of a deal after having signed the agreement if the deal becomes unfavorable because of a change in the target company or (2) to give your company (if the seller or target) a way to lock in the buyer. This article will also help business people understand the importance of due diligence. The article is certainly not a substitute for personal advice from in-house counsel geared to the particular deal, but should help lay the groundwork for discussions.