*Originally distributed on January 17, 2026. Geopolitics, technology, regulation, and markets are undergoing momentous, if not tectonic, realignments. The end of the “end of history” confronts business leaders across the global economy with a degree of uncertainty not seen at this scale for generations. The headline for global M&A in 2025, particularly in the second … Continued
Executive Summary: The guide has been updated to reflect legal and regulatory changes made to the national takeover regimes since it was last published in April 2013. The Takeover Directive has been implemented in all of the countries which are covered. Its aim is to provide equivalent protection throughout the EU for minority shareholders of companies listed on an … Continued
Highlights The newly-created Spanish “bad bank” (SAREB) has been transferred a EUR 50.8 billion pool of loans and real estate assets from Spanish credit entities that were totally or partially nationalized, as well as the legal mandate to liquidate the entire portfolio in 15 years. A legal framework has been enacted to facilitate the divestment … Continued
Executive Summary: Although Spain’s current microeconomic situation is still critical, the macroeconomic framework is more stable; it appears that Spain is once again becoming regarded as a safe jurisdiction for investors. This stability, together with a steep fall in valuations, is reinvigorating the market, and investors have begun looking at future investment opportunities. This article, … Continued
Highlights: Prior to the authorization of a merger by the relevant authorities, the exchange of information between them, while a crucial part of the deal, might be considered in certain circumstances a violation against proceeding with a merger without authorization. Outlined below are some of the precautions to be taken in order to avoid a … Continued
Executive summary: The attached guide takes a pan-European look at trends and developments through the 2008 financial crisis and in the period since, focusing on: the position of hedge funds: their behaviour, performance and strategies in that period, as well as the changed regulatory landscape they now face, and activist behaviour by both hedge funds … Continued
Highlights: One of the key drivers of the M&A sector in Spain in 2011 was the restructuring of the Spanish financial sector. This process is still ongoing and represents an opportunity for foreign investors interested in acquiring strategic interests in the Spanish banking sector, entering the market on a stand-alone basis through asset purchases or … Continued
The attached slides summarize trends in cross-border M&A and strategic investment activity throughout the first quarter of 2011. Highlights: Global M&A volume for Q1 2011 was US$671.8 billion, up 29.5% as compared to Q1 2010. Cross-border transactions have rebounded substantially from 2009: 38% of Q1 2011 global M&A was cross-border — up slightly from … Continued
