Our knowledge resources reflect the breadth and depth of our expertise, our insight into the issues which matter to your business, and our understanding of the markets in which you operate.
After almost a year of discussion, on 12 June 2018 the European Parliament approved a revised proposal put forward by the European Commission to amend the terms of EMIR1. The revised proposal, aimed at reducing costs and simplifying certain rules under EMIR, is likely to mean at least some good news for most market participants, although others may be disappointed that the proposal did not go further.
Travers Smith LLP has advised the ITRS Group (ITRS), the leading provider of real-time monitoring and analytics for financial services, on its acquisition of OP5, a Stockholm headquartered global leader in providing IT monitoring and log analysis technology.
Travers Smith LLP has advised Harvey Nash Group plc ("Harvey Nash") on its proposed acquisition pursuant to a recommended cash offer by The Power of Talent Ltd, an entity owned by funds managed by DBAY Advisors Limited.
The UK's Information Commissioner, Elizabeth Denham, is not one to shy away from a challenge. In the midst of implementing one of the biggest changes to European data protection legislation in the last 20 years (the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)), she embarked upon a series of high profile investigations – and the first target in the firing line was Facebook.
On 6 April 2018, the way that termination payments are taxed is going to change. Employees will be taxed on notice pay, even where there is no PILON in the contract.
Travers Smith LLP has advised long-standing client Exponent on its buyout of Dennis Publishing.
Travers Smith LLP has advised long-standing client Phoenix Equity Partners (Phoenix) on its acquisition of Nexus Vehicle Rental (Nexus) in a transaction valuing Nexus at £142 million.
The Network and Information Systems Regulations came into effect with little fanfare on 10 May 2018, when most businesses were in the throes of grappling with GDPR compliance. For this reason they seem to have passed largely under the radar.
Travers Smith LLP has advised Staci SAS on its acquisition of 100% of Michael Davies & Associates Limited, which trades as "mda". Founded 30 years ago, mda is the UK leader in marketing logistics and fulfilment, with £50 million revenue for 2017.
Travers Smith LLP has advised PureGym, the UK’s leading gym operator, on its acquisition of Soho Gyms and its 10 fitness clubs.
Travers Smith LLP has advised the shareholders on the sale of 75% of Lothbury Investment Management (Lothbury) to Nomura Real Estate Holdings (Nomura). The executive management team, led by Simon Radford, will retain a 25% stake and continue to manage the day-to-day operations of the business under the Lothbury brand. The transaction is conditional upon regulatory clearances.
In June 2018, two draft documents were published which will impact on the corporate governance and reporting obligations of large companies going forward : the Wates Principles for large private companies and the Companies (Miscellaneous Reporting) Regulations 2018 (the "Regulations").
Travers Smith LLP has advised client S4 Capital Limited, Sir Martin Sorrell's investment vehicle, on S4 Capital's acquisition of MediaMonks, the world's largest and fastest growing premium creative production company with a global presence.
Travers Smith LLP has announced today the recruitment of Oliver Bethell as the firm's first Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Oliver joins the firm in September from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer where he led the team responsible for technology strategy and underlying IT architecture.
Travers Smith LLP has advised new client Caledonia Investments plc on its acquisition of Cooke Optics (Cooke), the UK manufacturer of premium-end cinematography lenses for the film, television and advertising industries, in a transaction which values the business at £96.5m.
Key employment and business immigration developments for employers
Travers Smith has advised its long-standing client Micro Focus International plc (Micro Focus), the global enterprise software company, on the proposed US $2.535 billion sale of its SUSE business to a special purpose vehicle advised by EQT Partners.
Travers Smith has advised long-standing client ECI Partners on the sale of Great Rail Journeys to Duke Street Private Equity generating a 3.6x return.
Earlier this week the FRC published the final version of the revised UK Corporate Governance Code, which will take effect for financial years beginning on or after 1 January 2019. It also published a Feedback Statement outlining the responses to its December 2017 consultation on the proposed changes, together with a "Key Highlights" document.
Changes to the UK regime for scrutiny of mergers on national security grounds came into force in June 2018. In this briefing, we look at why these changes were introduced and what they will mean for business.