24 January 2012
As companies continue their focus on cost efficiency and operational excellence, we have been helping some large corporate groups simplify their corporate structures. A period of significant acquisitions or the use of special purpose vehicles can result in a group structure which is too complex for current requirements.
09 December 2011
In early July this year, we published a client briefing summarising the Government's consultation on the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and Venture Capital Trust (VCT) schemes. The consultation's aim was to ensure that these schemes remain effective while supporting increased investment into small companies. Draft legislation has now been published (on 6 December 2011) outlining the proposals in detail, please click the title to read the full briefing.
09 November 2011
The consultation on a new reporting framework for companies.
16 September 2011
Asset management and investment funds - supporting the sector
16 September 2011
Financial Services Regulation - doing business in the UK
06 September 2011
A guide to joining AIM - the LSE’s market for smaller and growing companies
06 September 2011
AIM Jargon Buster - explaining some of the common terms come across when applying to AIM
06 September 2011
Companies applying to AIM or already admitted to AIM
06 September 2011
Corporate Transactions and the AIM Rules 2011 - A quick reference guide for Directors
18 August 2011
Preparing your business for sale could make a considerable financial contribution to the ultimate sale price. Thorough preparation is also key to the success of a stock market floatation (IPO). To read the full briefing please click the above link.
10 August 2011
Our private equity update which keeps you informed of current issues and news in private equity industry.
14 April 2011
This Guide provides an overview of what to expect of the legal process when buying or selling a private company or business. It covers issues of interest to both buyers and sellers, including the structure of the deal, the process and the key documents involved.
12 April 2011
Until recently most unquoted companies considering raising finance would turn to their banks or possibly to venture capital. However a new trend may be emerging which involves the issue of 'minibonds' by unquoted companies.
10 June 2010
The general duties owed by a director to his or her company are set out in the Companies Act 2006. This Guide provides directors with a general overview of the key duties and obligations of the role.
08 June 2010
On 28 May 2010 the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) published a revised corporate governance code. This follows the review of the effectiveness of the Combined Code carried out by the FRC in 2009/10.
16 April 2010
Partner Nick Graves and Senior Associate Dominic Davis from the Corporate team look at some of the key points that companies should consider when assessing potential fundraising structures. This article was published in the Spring 2010 issue of Voice - the quarterly newsletter of the Quoted Companies Alliance.
13 April 2010
Businesses should now review their anti-corruption procedures to ensure protection against a new corporate offence introduced by the Act.
05 October 2009
Are you ready to defend a hostile takeover offer for your company or are you considering launching a hostile bid for another company?
02 September 2009
This briefing is intended to remind directors of the general duties owed by them to their company under sections 170 to 182 of the Companies Act 2006.
02 September 2009
The final implementation of the Companies Act 2006 (CA2006) takes place on 1 October 2009. This briefing looks at some of the main changes being introduced on that date and how those changes will apply to existing companies. It is one in a series of briefings which we have produced looking at the key implications of the CA2006.
14 August 2009
HM Treasury and the FSA are jointly consulting on the introduction of a protected cell regime for umbrella openended investment companies ("OEICS"). The new regime will segregate liabilities within an umbrella OEIC so that liabilities of any one sub-fund can only be met out of the assets of that sub-fund, thereby reducing the risk of contagion between sub-funds.
19 March 2009
We have identified some key questions we think you should consider to help your business survive and prosper in the downturn.
06 February 2009
This briefing highlights key obligations for AIM companies and their directors which are particularly important in these turbulent times.
05 September 2008
The Companies Act 2006 (the new Act) received Royal Assent on 8 November 2006 but is still only partially in force. This briefing looks at the key provisions being implemented on 1 October 2008.
03 March 2008
This briefing is one in a series looking at the key implications of the new Companies Act for companies and their directors. In this briefing we look at certain of the provisions coming into force on 6 April 2008 but first we consider some of the amendments which companies may wish to make to their articles during the course of this year.
01 October 2007
The Third Commencement Order under the new Act was published in July 2007 and will bring into force the sections of the new
Act which take effect from 1 October 2007. The purpose of this briefing note is to focus on these areas.
12 June 2007
Since accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2003, a statutory corporation tax deduction has been available in respect of shares awarded under share plans.
12 June 2007
The Chancellor introduced EMI in 2000 - at the time it was the most tax advantageous option scheme ever and subsequent changes have seen it get even better.
01 March 2007
This briefing is one in a series looking at the key implications of the new Act for companies and their directors. The purpose of this briefing note is to focus on the key areas of the new Act which affect only or have particular relevance to private companies.
01 March 2007
This briefing sets out the Government's timetable and considers how companies can start preparing for the first round of new provisions (which will include the majority of the new directors' duties regime).
01 March 2007
This briefing is one in a series looking at the key implications of the new Act for companies and their directors.
01 February 2007
This briefing is one in a series looking at the key implications of the new Act for companies and their directors. The purpose of this briefing note is to outline the main provisions which affect directors and to consider the practical implications of the changes to the existing regime.
30 January 2007
The EU Transparency Directive (TD) introduces a new regime for periodic financial reporting and the disclosure of major shareholdings. It also deals with the dissemination and storage of regulated information. New rules published by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) have implemented the TD in the UK. The Listing Rules have been amended and new provisions have been added to the Disclosure Rules which have been renamed the Disclosure and Transparency Rules (DTR).
01 January 2007
The purpose of this briefing note is to provide you with a general overview of the new Act, an implementation timetable and guidance on the new e-communication provisions which take effect from 20 January 2007.
01 December 2006
The purpose of this briefing is to make you aware of certain provisions of the new Act which will become effective during the course of the next two months and to cover some other aspects of the Act.