Stibbe continues support of FIT’s Foreign Investment Trophy

Short Reads - On 8 September 2020, a draft bill setting up an ex-ante and ex-post screening mechanism for investments in companies active in vital processes or sensitive technology in the Netherlands was published for consultation. Investments, mergers and acquisitions that took place between 2 June 2020 and the entry into force of the proposed law may also be scrutinised. The draft bill is open for consultation until 7 October 2020. Companies should beware of these new developments in relation to future, and potentially past, M&A deals.

Articles - Claire-Marie Darnand, Victorien Hémery, Johan Léonard, Tom Storck, Benjamin Marthoz, Audrey Jarreton and François Bernard have all contributed to the 2020 Chambers and Partners Real Estate Global Practice Guide, providing the Luxembourg chapter. 

Short Reads - The European Commission is adding powers to its toolbox to ensure a level playing field between European and foreign(-backed) companies active on the EU market. On top of merger control and Foreign Direct Investment screening obligations, companies may also need to account for future rules allowing scrutiny of subsidies granted by non-EU governments if those subsidies might distort the EU Single Market.

Short Reads - The COVID-19 pandemic has a significant and immediate adverse effect on many companies in different industries. Many PE portfolio companies are particularly vulnerable given the typical high leverage finance structure and inherent need to maintain cash flow. To meet these challenges and mitigate liability risks, management and owners may need to take clear and immediate action (and refrain from certain other actions) in the interest of all stakeholders. The following sets out some key legal guidelines for management and owners when dealing with a Dutch subsidiary in distress.