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Loan covenant disputes likely to impact almost all industry sectors unless lenders and investors work to find resolution

Published on 12 Jun 2020. By Sukh Ahark, Partner, Co-head of India Practice

Loan covenant disputes caused by the coronavirus crisis are likely to impact almost all industry sectors in the coming year, unless lenders and investors work together to resolve problems caused by covenant breaches.

Insurance special purpose vehicles - the wheels of change in motion

Published on 01 Jun 2020. By Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

On 22 May 2020 the PRA published updates to its approach to the authorisation and supervision of insurance special purpose vehicles (ISPVs).

Football referees held not to be employed for tax purposes – the final whistle for HMRC?

Published on 14 May 2020. By Ben Roberts, Partner

Whether an individual is employed, or self-employed, for tax purposes is a question that has – in the era of the 'gig' economy and given the anticipated extension of the off-payroll working (IR35) rules – never required closer examination.

Tips for minimising costs on Part VII transfers

Published on 11 May 2020. By Neil Brown, Partner

The Covid-19 crisis might cause insurers to seek to free up capital by disposing of portfolios of legacy business. This blog sets out some tips for carrying out Part VII transfers whilst under increasing costs constraints.

New 100% government-backed loan scheme for small and medium-sized businesses

Published on 04 May 2020. By Sukh Ahark, Partner, Co-head of India Practice and Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

The new 'Bounce Back Loans' scheme (the "Scheme") launches today. The Scheme provides small and medium-sized businesses with loans from between £2,000 and £50,000, such cash to be accessible within days.

High Court interprets meaning of indemnity for damage caused "prior to completion"

Published on 28 Apr 2020. By Neil Brown, Partner

In a recent decision, the High Court has interpreted an indemnity for damage caused to assets "prior to completion" to be limited to damage caused in the period between signing and completion. This blog examines the reasoning for the court's decision, and the lessons that can be learned for transactional lawyers.

Future Fund

Published on 24 Apr 2020. By Sukh Ahark, Partner, Co-head of India Practice and Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

The Chancellor has announced the launch of a £500m co-investment fund for start-ups adversely impacted by the coronavirus. The 'Future Fund' operates through the government matching private sector money with state-backed loans that can convert into equity stakes in the start-up.

What is covered by an indemnity for "liabilities"?

Published on 20 Apr 2020. By David Wallis, Partner

This blog examines the recent Court of Appeal decision relating to the acquisition of Nottingham Forest FC and asks what type of liabilities is a seller liable for under a liabilities indemnity?

Regulator urges lenders to carefully consider their responses to borrower's potential breaches of covenants owing to COVID-19

Published on 20 Apr 2020. By Sukh Ahark, Partner, Co-head of India Practice and Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

The PRA stressed in a 'Dear CEO Letter' that lenders should be flexible with regards to the breaches of covenants that might occur because of COVID-19. The PRA stated that breaches may arise owing to temporary changes to a borrowers' reported earnings, suspension of business or changes to the audit report attached to financial statements.

Signing documents during COVID-19 in Hong Kong

Published on 14 Apr 2020.

This blog gives some practical advice on using electronic signatures in Hong Kong to sign documents during the Covid-19 restrictions, including where signatories and others are working from home without access to usual printing and scanning facilities.

The new Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme

Published on 09 Apr 2020. By Sukh Ahark, Partner, Co-head of India Practice and Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

The Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS) is designed to allow larger businesses to access emergency funding and to give banks the confidence to lend to many more businesses which are impacted by coronavirus.

COVID-19 and tax residence

Published on 09 Apr 2020. By Ben Roberts, Partner

This blog considers the potential risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to maintaining offshore tax structures.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme – attempts to address inaccessibility

Published on 08 Apr 2020. By Sukh Ahark, Partner, Co-head of India Practice and Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

The UK Government has implemented changes to the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme in recognition of barriers faced by SMEs attempting to access the scheme.

Managing SM&CR during the Coronavirus crisis

Published on 02 Apr 2020. By Jonathan Charwat, Partner

This blog considers the challenges caused by CV-19 in relation to the governance and SM&CR compliance of regulated firms in the UK.

The government-backed Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme

Published on 30 Mar 2020.

The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) is part of a package of temporary measures to support businesses during these challenging times. The CBILS is intended to give lenders confidence to continue to provide finance to SMEs.

COVID-19 forces HMRC to temporarily change its stamp duty processes

Published on 26 Mar 2020. By Ben Roberts, Partner

Yesterday (25th March) HMRC announced some "temporary" changes to its stamp duty processes, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 and Commercial Tenants' Rights Regarding Rent

Published on 25 Mar 2020. By Elizabeth Alibhai, Partner

This blog sets out various issues for commercial tenants to consider in relation to impending rent payments and government intervention in response to Covid-19. We are currently fielding numerous enquiries from tenants seeking advice about whether rent holidays, reductions and other concessions can be obtained in these unprecedented times.

Spring Budget 2020 - main tax announcements

Published on 19 Mar 2020. By Ben Roberts, Partner

This blog discusses some of the key tax changes announced in last week's Budget, and subsequent tax developments.

Signing documents during COVID-19

Published on 18 Mar 2020. By Neil Brown, Partner

This blog gives some practical advice on how to sign documents during the Covid-19 restrictions, including where signatories and others are working from home without access to usual printing and scanning facilities.

Navigating the dead zone: Understanding liquidation preferences in venture capital #2

Published on 16 Mar 2020.

In the second of a series of blogs aimed at demystifying common provisions found in venture capital term sheets (with the hope of accelerating the negotiation process between investors and founders), Peter Sugden looks at liquidation preferences.

Restrictive covenants in shareholders' agreements and commercial contracts

Published on 06 Mar 2020.

The Court of Appeal has recently reaffirmed the approach to the enforceability of restrictive covenants in shareholders' agreements and other commercial contracts.

Life Expectancy - What's the Big Deal?

Published on 21 Feb 2020.

The Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) has updated its guidance for insurers participating in longevity risk transfers (PS1/20 and SS18/16), clarifying the risks that should be considered and its expectations of pre-notification for transactions that are large and/or complex.

UK formally leaves EU - practical matters you ought to be thinking about now

Published on 07 Feb 2020.

The UK formally left the EU on 31 January 2020. This is not the end, or the beginning of the end, it is the end of the beginning. The much more important future relationship needs to be determined. There is a hiatus until 31 December 2020 when nothing changes with regard to free trade and movement of people between the UK and the EU.

New year's (tax) resolutions

Published on 21 Jan 2020. By Ben Roberts, Partner

It's that time of year when people are abiding by, (re)assessing and / or breaking their new year's resolutions. It's no different in the world of tax.

Equitable Life – High Court approves Part VII transfer, and distinguishes Prudential/Rothesay

Published on 06 Jan 2020. By Neil Brown, Partner

The High Court has approved a large Part VII transfer by Equitable Life of life assurance and pensions policies, and has easily distinguished the decision in Prudential/Rothesay.

Corporate governance for large private companies

Published on 14 Oct 2019. By Nneka Ezekude, Trainee Solicitor

For financial years beginning on or after 1 January 2019, large private companies will need to adhere to the requirements contained in a new corporate governance code published by the Financial Reporting Council. The introduction of the new code followed multiple scandals which revealed poor corporate practices and neglect of stakeholders' interests. As a result, the code seeks to rebuild confidence and trust in these large private companies.

Football, the beautiful investment game?

Published on 17 Sep 2019.

Another football season is upon us and we dream of silverware to be won. However, planning for the next transfer window begins almost immediately for those clubs listed on a stock market. There are opportunities to increase their share price through new signings, managers and sponsorship deals.

'Green Finance' enters the mainstream

Published on 25 Jun 2019. By Edward Colville, Partner

With the UK's recent commitment to cut emissions to net zero by 2050, the financial sector is looking to 'green finance' to encourage investment in sustainable and environmentally-friendly businesses. Recent examples, like Nokia's €1.5 billion credit facility announced last week, show that environmental impact is becoming a key consideration for lenders and borrowers.

National Security and Investment – the EU's response

Published on 07 Jun 2019. By Tim Anderson, Partner and Neil Brown, Partner

National security concerns regarding Huawei continue to make headlines around the world, against the backdrop of an ongoing US / Chinese trade war. This blog looks at new EU rules on foreign investments which raise security or public order concerns.

More than you bargained for: the implied duty of good faith

Published on 26 Apr 2019. By David Wallis, Partner and Neil Brown, Partner

The recent High Court decision in Bates v. Post Office (No. 3) confirms a general principle that if a contract is a "relational" contract then it will include an implied obligation of good faith. Previously, there had been doubt whether such a general principle exists, as historically this was not an approach recognised by the English courts.

Derivative transactions – the obligation to report

Published on 25 Apr 2019. By Edward Colville, Partner

As the recent £34.9m fine for Goldman Sachs shows, the FCA takes the obligation to report derivative transactions seriously. How does this affect parties who trade infrequently, and what changes to the reporting requirement can we expect post-Brexit?

Brexit delay prolongs uncertainty for insurers

Published on 12 Apr 2019. By Neil Brown, Partner

Yesterday's announcement of Halloween as the new deadline for Brexit will prolong uncertainty for many UK insurers.

UK property – big tax changes for non-UK residents

Published on 05 Apr 2019. By Ben Roberts, Partner

From 6 April 2019, all gains from UK real estate realised on disposal by non-residents, whether residential or commercial property and whether by way of direct or "indirect" disposal, will be subject to UK capital gains tax or corporation tax.

A licence to kill... a licence

Published on 11 Mar 2019. By Tim Anderson, Partner

In the second of a number of short articles we are producing in relation to businesses in the tech space, we will be discussing a real life example of what not to do when diligencing a tech company and its third party IP licence agreements.

Part Three: Five practical implications of side letters and most favoured nations clauses for fund investors and managers

Published on 15 Feb 2019.

In this third and final part of our series on side letters and most favoured nation (MFN) clauses in private equity funds, we examine five practical implications for investors and managers.

Part Two: Side letters and fundraising

Published on 28 Jan 2019.

In this second of a three part series, we look more closely at side letters and most favoured nation (MFN) clauses in the private equity space.

Part One: Overview of side letters & MFNs when investing in private equity funds

Published on 14 Jan 2019.

In the first of a three part series we consider the importance of side letters and most favoured nations (MFN) clauses in private equity funds.

New regulations to permit assignment of receivables under commercial contracts now in force

Published on 11 Jan 2019. By Edward Colville, Partner

After more than four years of consultation, draft regulations and revisions, the Business Contract Terms (Assignment of Receivables) Regulations 2018 (the Regulations) have now taken effect, and apply to all relevant contracts entered into on or after 31 December 2018.

Huawei and UK National Security - A new technology cold war?

Published on 11 Dec 2018. By Neil Brown, Partner and Charles Buckworth, Partner

Chinese technology giant, Huawei, has been making plenty of headlines recently. First, a number of Western governments (including the US, Australia and New Zealand) have banned Huawei equipment from being used in 5G networks, citing national security concerns. Next, Huawei's CFO was arrested in Canada in connection with alleged breaches of international sanctions.

Budget 2018 – 10 key business tax takeaways

Published on 08 Nov 2018. By Ben Roberts, Partner

Something out of the ordinary (share capital)

Published on 05 Nov 2018. By Ben Roberts, Partner

The term ordinary share capital is widely used in UK tax provisions. While the term has a statutory definition a recent table by the Chartered Institute of Taxation shows how HMRC has interpreted it in practice.

Tech talent: To purchase or to hire…that is the question

Published on 02 Nov 2018.

When acquiring tech companies & their human talent, there are some key considerations that buyers should take into account when formulating their M&A strategy

Drafting: you do the maths

Published on 01 Nov 2018. By Neil Brown, Partner

Chartbrook v. Persimmon provides a good example of why contracts can benefit from worked mathematical formulae to aid courts in interpreting key contractual clauses.

Managing expectations: key considerations for early stage start-ups and their investors

Published on 30 Oct 2018.

Peter Sugden discusses "good leaver / bad leaver" provisions in early-stage venture capital investment to help explain key terms for start-up business.

The Week That Was - 17 January 2025

Published on 17 Jan 2025. By Alan Stone, Partner and Ben Goodier, Partner and Alexandra Anderson, Partner and Tom Green, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Zoe Eastell, Partner and Felicity Strong, Partner and Peter Mansfield, Partner and Arash Rajai, Partner and Cecilia Everett, Partner and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate

For this week's The Week That Was, we have taken a look back at the top construction cases of 2024, including many that were featured in previous TWTW editions.

A guide to buying and selling English residential property

Published on 14 Jan 2025. By Elizabeth Alibhai, Partner and Sukh Ahark, Partner, Co-head of India Practice and Ben Roberts, Partner and Jon Ely, Partner and Arash Rajai, Partner

We are seeing increased positivity in the English residential property market. In 2024, inflation reached the Bank of England’s 2% target, down from 11.1% in 2022, which was a significant factor in the return of consumer confidence and economic growth. Mortgage rates are falling slightly with approval rates at their highest level since 2022 as buyers continue to respond to increased certainty post-election. Property values are again on the rise while demand continues to outstrip supply.

The Week That Was - 10 January 2025

Published on 10 Jan 2025. By Alan Stone, Partner and Ben Goodier, Partner and Alexandra Anderson, Partner and Tom Green, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Zoe Eastell, Partner and Felicity Strong, Partner and Peter Mansfield, Partner and Arash Rajai, Partner and Cecilia Everett, Partner and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate

Welcome to the week that was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.

The Week That Was - 20 December 2024

Published on 20 Dec 2024. By Alan Stone, Partner and Ben Goodier, Partner and Alexandra Anderson, Partner and Tom Green, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Zoe Eastell, Partner and Felicity Strong, Partner and Peter Mansfield, Partner and Arash Rajai, Partner and Cecilia Everett, Partner and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate

Welcome to the week that was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.

The Week That Was - 13 December 2024

Published on 13 Dec 2024. By Alan Stone, Partner and Ben Goodier, Partner and Alexandra Anderson, Partner and Tom Green, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Zoe Eastell, Partner and Felicity Strong, Partner and Peter Mansfield, Partner and Arash Rajai, Partner and Cecilia Everett, Partner and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate

Welcome to the week that was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.

The Week That Was - 6 December 2024

Published on 06 Dec 2024. By Alan Stone, Partner and Ben Goodier, Partner and Alexandra Anderson, Partner and Tom Green, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner and Zoe Eastell, Partner and Felicity Strong, Partner and Peter Mansfield, Partner and Arash Rajai, Partner and Cecilia Everett, Partner and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.