European Union: M&A/Private Equity

This monthly legal update from William Fry LLP examines significant regulatory and legislative developments across Ireland's financial, environmental, and infrastructure sectors. From proposed reforms to limited partnership regimes and new home support provider regulations, to the transposition of EU directives on distance marketing and capital requirements, these articles analyze how recent policy changes will impact businesses, financial institutions, and service providers operating in Ireland.

This article examines the most common real estate legal issues discovered during due diligence in Dutch M&A transactions, including the absence of written lease agreements, unauthorised subletting arrangements, and change of control provisions in lease contracts. It provides practical guidance on how these findings impact transaction certainty, valuation, and the rights of parties involved in mergers and acquisitions.

Luxembourg is poised to expand its fund structuring capabilities by allowing common and special limited partnerships (SCS and SCSp) that operate as alternative investment funds to establish ring-fenced compartments...

The European Commission has launched a formal investigation into potential gun-jumping violations by XXXLutz and Porta regarding XXXLutz's proposed acquisition of Porta, an Austria-Germany furniture retail transaction announced in January 2025. The investigation examines whether the parties may have implemented the merger before obtaining required regulatory approval, despite the transaction having an EU dimension requiring Commission notification.

Dr. Martin Heuber has taken the helm as Managing Partner of Mayer Brown in Germany, succeeding Guido Zeppenfeld in this leadership role. What strategic priorities is this banking and finance expert setting in the current market climate, and how are debt funds performing under his guidance?

The European Commission has published its review of the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR), addressing widespread concerns about the regime's disproportionate compliance burden on M&A deals and procurement procedures. While the EC maintains the instrument is "fit for purpose," stakeholders and independent studies reveal significant administrative challenges, with only 1% of notified M&A deals warranting in-depth review and proposed reforms falling short of the fundamental redesign many had requested.

Arthur Cox's Life Sciences Outlook 2026 examines critical regulatory developments and strategic opportunities shaping Ireland's life sciences sector. The publication explores Ireland's EU Council Presidency and its potential impact on advancing key legislative initiatives including the Biotech Act I and medical device reforms. Industry leaders will find comprehensive analysis spanning pharmaceutical compliance, medtech regulation, data governance, M&A activity, and environmental considerations.

Explore how modern workplace design and professional environments are evolving to meet contemporary business needs. Discover insights into creating functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces that enhance productivity and reflect organizational values.

Germany has enacted significant reforms to its real estate transfer tax rules for share deals, addressing the controversial issue of double taxation that previously arose when signing and closing occurred at different times. The new legislation establishes a clear hierarchy between tax provisions and extends notification periods, fundamentally changing how M&A transactions involving real estate-owning companies are taxed.