Welcome to the Corporate Briefing, where we review the latest developments in UK corporate law that you need to know about. In this month’s issue we discuss...more
A peaceful election and slowing inflation have put M&A markets in South Africa in a more advantageous position. However, taking advantage of South African deal opportunities requires a clear understanding of a rapidly...more
On 24 April 2024, the UK Takeover Panel published PCP 2024/1 ("PCP 2024/1"), in which it is consulting on a significant narrowing of the types of companies that will be subject to the Takeover Code (the “Code”) - i.e., as...more
Global M&A Activity Endures Headwinds in 2023 and Displays Resilience Going Into 2024 - Despite market headwinds, dealmakers have looked to carveouts, spin-offs, joint ventures and other creative deal structures to engage...more
In this update, we provide four predictions for the UK public M&A landscape in 2024, considering key statistics, trends, developments and highlights regarding UK public takeovers announced during 2023....more
Welcome to the Corporate Briefing, where we review the latest developments in UK corporate law that you need to know about. In this month’s issue, we discuss...more
On 16 October 2023, Nikhil Rathi, Chief Executive of the FCA, delivered a speech at the City Dinner at Mansion House which describes the FCA’s work in supporting international competitiveness and growth. Amongst other things,...more
On 15 May 2023, the UK Takeover Panel published a public consultation on proposed changes to the Takeover Code's Rule 21.1 (which prevents a target under offer (or where an offer is imminent) from taking action that may lead...more
This edition covers the FCA’s priorities for the next 12 months, the ICGN statement on post-pandemic AGM practices, Takeover Code changes affecting competitive bids, and a proposed new corporate “failure to prevent fraud”...more
Following a consultation launched in May 2022[1], the UK Panel on Takeovers and Mergers (the “Panel”) effected changes to the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the “Code”) on 20 February 2023[2], including the circumstances...more
This first edition of 2023 covers recent guidance from the FCA’s Primary Market Bulletin 42 and Market Watch 71, major changes to the Takeover Code’s “acting in concert” presumptions, an FCA penalty for publishing misleading...more
In this update, we consider key statistics, trends, developments and highlights regarding UK public M&A transactions governed by the UK Takeover Code that were announced during the first half (H1) of 2022....more
On 24 March 2022, the Takeover Panel (the “Panel”) issued a note to advisers on disclosure of information under Rule 9 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”) and a note to advisers in relation to Rule 2.8 statements. Such notes do...more
Private equity’s growing appetite for UK-listed targets comes with the need for Takeover Code-savvy dealmakers. Amid stiff competition for attractive private targets, PE firms are competing more regularly against...more
Favorable valuations are fueling opportunistic purchases by overseas bidders- Spiraling COVID rates, supply chain issues and food and fuel shortages have all hit the headlines in the months since the end of the Brexit...more
In this update, we consider key statistics, trends, developments and highlights regarding U.K. public M&A transactions governed by the U.K. City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the Takeover Code) that were announced during the...more
In our first UK Public Markets Snapshot, we cover the key market trends in the first half of 2021, and share our predictions for H2. The UK and international M&A markets are booming, with a wave of takeover offers, including...more
The Takeover Panel has just published its response statement (2020/1) making important changes to the Takeover Code regarding offer conditionality and timetable. They take effect on 5 July 2021 and will apply in relation to...more
Last year the Takeover Panel (the “Panel”) published a consultation paper proposing a number of amendments to (i) simplify the offer timetable under the Code (ii) provide certainty that once a firm offer has been announced it...more
In this update, we consider certain key statistics, trends, developments and highlights regarding U.K. public M&A transactions governed by the U.K. City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the Takeover Code) that were announced...more
The Code Committee ("Code Committee") of the UK Takeover Panel ("Panel") has published a consultation paper proposing a number of amendments to the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers ("Code") which, if adopted, will mark a...more
As noted in our recent LawFlashes, New Powers for UK Government in Transactions Impacting Public Health Emergencies and National Security and Potential UK Reforms Could Increase Screening of Certain Foreign Takeovers,...more
The challenges raised by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis initially led to a dramatic fall in share prices and market uncertainty. Although the capital markets have largely recovered their value since the initial COVID-19...more
New measures, announced on 21 June 2020, will allow the UK Government to intervene in relation to transactions involving businesses with "critical capabilities" to help combat public health emergencies, such as coronavirus. ...more