Public to Private Transactions of UK Listed Companies: Navigating the UK Waters

The weak pound, Brexit, and general macro-political uncertainty in the UK has led to increased takeover interest of UK listed companies from potential international acquirers. The recent General Election may have had a positive effect on the markets, but with Brexit now more of a certainty and with trade deals still to be agreed, this takeover interest could be set to continue.

The UK takeover regime does bring particular challenges to take private transactions (or P2Ps). This note explores some of the early-stage regulatory issues that arise for potential international acquirers of UK listed companies and how to navigate safe passage through these unfamiliar UK regulatory waters.