Analysing the Takeover Bid Directive in light of EU Law, this important monograph examines the extent to which the Directive facilitates the exercise of the fundamental freedom of establishment and the free movement of capital in the internal market. The analysis begins with a discussion of the fundamental freedom of establishment of companies, as well as of the legal bases for the harmonization of company law and capital markets law at the EU level. Additionally, the significance of corporate mobility and of the freedom of establishment case law of the European Court of Justice for the takeover process is analysed. The author shows that, far from achieving market integration in the field of EU company law, the Takeover Bid Directive is a compromise resulting from the very different legal and policy approaches of the Member States in the field of takeover regulation. Although some provisions of the Directive are obligatory for all Member States, two key provisions have been made optional: the non-frustration rule, which requires a board of directors to obtain the prior authorization of a general meeting of shareholders before taking any action that could result in the frustration of the bid; and the breakthrough rule, which restricts significant transfer and voting rights during the time allowed for acceptance of the bid.

The rethinking of European Takeover Law is a current challenge as well as an ongoing task. The economic and political landscape has changed considerably since the Directive was enacted, and these changes have had an impact on the evaluation of takeover law with its obvious socio-economic implications. Above all, the imminence of Brexit is currently set to trigger such fundamental changes. The UK vote to leave the EU will not only lead to the detachment of Europe's most important takeover market. It also implies that the jurisdiction of origin of the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers - the rulebook which has provided nothing less than the role model for the entirety of European Takeover Law - will no longer form part of the harmonized laws.From an EU integrationist perspective, this raises an interesting question of principle: what is the impact of one jurisdiction's exit on existing harmonization measures, especially if that jurisdiction once provided the yardstick and bedrock of this harmonization? In order to evaluate the need for a reform of the Takeover Directive after Brexit, this paper focuses on analysing the impact of the Takeover Directive on German Law, in particular by assessing whether, and to what extent, the regulatory approach of the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers has been adopted in German national legislation due to the transposition of the Takeover Directive. While some substantive differences, for example, those regarding the passivity rule and mandatory bids, are well-known and much discussed, it seems crucial to review the overall structure, system and general regulatory “style”. This paper will therefore concentrate on the scope, the general principles and the taxonomy of German Takeover Law, and assess its respective peculiarities in comparison to the original UK approach.

No one doubts any longer that sustainable development is a normative imperative. Yet there is unmistakably a great reluctance to acknowledge any legal basis upon which companies are obliged to forgo 'shareholder value' when such a policy clearly dilutes responsibility for company action in the face of continuing environmental degradation. Here is a book that boldly says: 'Shareholder primacy' is wrong. Such a narrow, short-term focus, the author shows, works against the achievement of the overarching societal goals of European law itself. The core role of EU company and securities law is to promote economic development, notably through the facilitation of market integration, while its contributory role is to further sustainable development through facilitation of the integration of economic and social development and environmental protection. There is a clear legal basis in European law to overturn the poorly substantiated theory of a 'market for corporate control' as a theoretical and ideological basis when enacting company law. With rigorous and persuasive research and analysis, this book demonstrates that: European companies should have legal obligations beyond the maximization of profit for shareholders; human and environmental interests may and should be engaged with in the realm of company law; and company law has a crucial role in furthering sustainable development. As a test case, the author offers an in-depth analysis of the Takeover Directive, showing that it neither promotes economic development nor furthers the integration of the economic, social and environmental interests that the principle of sustainable development requires. This book goes to the very core of the ongoing debate on the function and future of European company law. Surprisingly, it does not make an argument in favour of changing EU law, but shows that we can take a great leap forward from where we are. For this powerful insight - and the innumerable recognitions that support it - this book is a timely and exciting new resource for lawyers and academics in 'both camps' those on the activist side of the issue, and those with company or official policymaking responsibilities.

Offers guidance on the European Takeover Directive and its implementation in the various member states of the European Union. The Directive encourages a certain harmonization of the takeover legislation in the 25 member states, but it will not result in a uniform set of takeover rules throughout the EU.

Since the implementation of the European Directive on Takeover Bids, a European common legal framework governs regulation of takeovers in EU Members States. The European Directive on Takeover Bids was adopted in April 2004, and implemented in the UK and in other Member States on 20th May 2006. The Directive seeks to regulate takeovers by way of protecting investors, and harmonising takeover laws in Europe. In facilitating the restructuring of companies through takeovers, the Directive aims at reinforcing the free movement of capital. Takeovers and the European Legal Framework studies the European Community Directive on Takeover Bids, in order to provide greater understanding of both the impact and effect of the European legal framework of takeover regulation. It firstly looks at the Directive from a British perspective, focusing on the impact of the transposition of the Takeover Directive into the UK. The book examines the provisions of the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers, and discusses the takeover provisions in the Companies Act 2006 that implement the Takeover Directive in the UK, arguing that the Directive will provide a new basis for UK takeover regulation, and that the system will work well. Jonathan Mukwiri goes on to consider the Directive in relation to the EU, arguing that despite its deficiencies, in that Member States are free to opt to restrict takeovers, the Directive provides a useful legal framework by which takeovers are regulated in different jurisdictions. Mukwiri highlights how the freedoms of the EC Treaty and EU Directives interact, and the effects of the Takeover Directive on political considerations in the law-making process in European Community. Moreover, he argues that the future of EU takeover regulation is likely to follow the lead of the UK, making this book relevant to a wide range of policy makers and academics across Europe.

'European Takeovers' provides a complete guide to the European Takeover Directive, national M&A regulation and the interaction between domestic and pan-European regulation. It contains a detailed discussion of the fundamental principles of national and European law, its application and the various practical issues that companies and their advisers face as they plan, defend and execute takeovers. This second edition further explores the area following the partial harmonisation of takeover regulation within the European Union since the introduction of the European Takeover Directive and is an exhaustive reference source for anyone preparing, participating in and responding to takeover activity in the EU. In addition, US takeover law is examined in depth to provide a comparative perspective. This new edition will also prove to be an invaluable guide for students and academics studying this area of law. Written by leading legal and banking professionals, and academics from across Europe, 'European Takeovers' will help you navigate national takeover legislation and its implementation, and discusses recent ground-breaking and controversial takeovers from across the Continent.

An examination of the general principles applicable to takeover bids in the European Union and the European Economic Area.