Increased awareness of safety concerns related to foreign direct investments has prompted a ramp-up toward the implementation of a general FDI screening regulation - As of this writing, Sweden does not have a general FDI...more
In a regime undergoing rapid change, investment screening is currently "light," with red tape increasing for European inbound investment - While there is still no standalone foreign direct investment (FDI) screening at...more
Prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, there had been a growing and global trend of established Western economies increasingly scrutinising foreign investment in key sectors. FDI restrictions have been on the...more
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed most governments' views on the strategic relevance of the domestic healthcare sectors across the globe. Although the European Commission, and also the German government, have re-emphasized...more
The EU Foreign Direct Investment Regulation will be in full force from October 11, 2020. We expect it will radically alter the dynamics of foreign investment review in Europe. Any non-EU investor and any EU target company...more
The coronavirus pandemic has weakened European economies and companies. EU and national governments have expressed concern that foreign investors may opportunistically take advantage of the crisis to acquire domestic...more
On April 8, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 emergency and following EU Commission guidelines issued on March 25, 2020 on the protection of European strategic assets and technologies, the Italian government issued Law Decree...more
Deals are generally not blocked by the Italian government. However, in connection with the clearance process, conditions may be imposed that can have a significant impact on the investment. The Italian government, which is...more
In December 2018, a new decree expanded the scope of the French national security review, especially in the technology sector In May 2019, the so-called “PACTE” Law strengthened the powers of French authorities in case of...more
Deals are generally not blocked in Finland - The Finnish government views foreign ownership positively as a catalyst for increasing internationalization and competitiveness. Deals are only restricted when they meet very...more
A new European Foreign Direct Investment regulation harmonizing investment controls came into force . In response to increased foreign direct investments (FDI) into European technology assets and an increased call for the...more
This Alert provides an update with respect to foreign direct investment ("FDI") regimes in certain key jurisdictions since the Firm's comprehensive FDI Guide, National Security Reviews 2018, was published in November 2018....more
Despite the opportunities available in the market, the changing face of global politics is exerting an increasing influence over deals. Almost half of respondents (47 percent) point to trade wars and rising protectionism as...more
Following completion of the Trilogue process, the three main EU institutions have agreed on a compromise for a new Regulation that gives the EU a largely procedural and coordinating function in connection with foreign direct...more
In China, where foreign investments used to be subject to a case-by-case evaluation, the screening process for acquisitions of local businesses by foreign investors is being simplified and becoming more industry-focused. This...more