Following the 2024 UK Listing Rule changes, which removed the need for shareholder approval of significant transactions other than reverse takeovers, the Prospectus Rule changes now in force should make it quicker and less costly for UK-listed companies (Listed Acquirers) to use equity as consideration in both public and private M&A transactions.

When the EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR) came in, there was concern that it would cause significant delays to M&A deals and public procurements, introduce additional cost and increase execution risk.

Following an initial consultation in 2021-2022, an Expert Panel convened by the Department for Business & Trade has now published its report advising the government on how to make it easier for foreign companies to relocate to the UK.

The new UK Listing Rules that took effect in July 2024 removed the shareholder vote for significant transactions. Here we explore emerging market practice in relation to announcements and disclosure on M&A deals.