Executive Summary/Highlights: October 1 saw the coming into effect of the most significant reform of French contract law since the Napoleonic code was first promulgated in 1804. We survey below some of the key takeaways for dealmakers. The reform was notably motivated by a desire to maintain the attractiveness of French law. One of the … Continued
Executive Summary/Highlights: China’s outward foreign direct investment (FDI) has increased substantially over the past decade. At US$111.5 billion in total in 2015, outbound FDI exceeded inbound FDI for the second year running. Aided by the creation of new / simplified regulatory channels, China’s outbound FDI is expected to grow more than 10% per year for … Continued
Executive Summary/Highlights: On September 28, 2016, the Canadian federal government introduced Bill C-25: An Act to amend the Canada Business Corporations Act et al. The proposed amendments are the culmination of the first substantive review of the Canada Business Corporations Act (the CBCA) in 15 years and are the result of a consultation process initiated … Continued
Executive Summary/Highlights: Global M&A volume in Q3 totaled approximately US$800 billion, approximately 10% lower than Q2, and over 10% higher than Q1. At its current rate, global M&A volume for 2016 is on pace to reach US$3.2 trillion, approximately the level reached in 2014 but considerably lower than the record levels of 2015. Q3 saw … Continued
Highlights: From October 1, 2016, a new FDI administration system will be launched in China. Under the new system, MOFCOM approval will not be required for incorporation or acquisition of a foreign invested enterprise (“FIE”), unless its business is on the Nationwide Negative List released by the State Council. This will increase efficiency for incorporation … Continued
Highlights: The new Law on NGO provides guidance for the registration, operating activities, financial management, and penalties, etc. of or for Overseas NGOs within China. Main Article The Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Management of Activities of Overseas Non-Governmental Organizations within the Territory of China (“Management Law”) was adopted at the … Continued
Executive Summary: The year 2015 was significant for proxy contests in Canada, with a total of 55 contests, exceeding the previous record high of 43 contests set in 2009. Although the spike in the number of contests in 2015 may have been exceptional, coinciding with a period of economic downturn in Canada and continued deterioration … Continued
Executive Summary: Sitting in France, reports of the decline of activism in Europe appear somewhat exaggerated, just as the predictions of a few years ago of an impending wave of U.S.-style activist activity in Europe were equally overstated. In contrast to the rapid rise of activism in the United States, the level of activism in France … Continued
Executive Summary/Highlights: Global M&A volume in Q2 grew 25% over Q1 and exceeded US$900 billion, resulting in the second busiest first half of the year since 2010, albeit considerably slower than the recent highs of 2015. Although Europe was well represented in the largest deals, as the only non-U.S. target region represented in the top … Continued
Highlights NDRC launches Draft for Comment for Order 9, which proposes further relaxation measures on PRC outbound investment. The controversial “road-pass” requirement might be alleviated. Approval procedure and application documents for the approval of Sensitive Projects may be simplified. Main Article Chinese National Development and Reform Commission (“NDRC“) launches Draft for Comment of Measures for … Continued
