Knowledge
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.

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TUPE and employee share schemes: an update in light of Ponticelli
When the business an employee works for is sold and TUPE applies, working out which of the employees' rights transfer can be tricky. In the recent case of Ponticelli Ltd v Gallagher, the Inner House of the Court of Session held that an individual's right to participate in their employer's Share Incentive Plan transferred with them.
UK transition to Net Zero: foot off the gas?
Do the policy changes announced by the UK Government in September mean that it is rowing back on its commitment Net Zero? Anyone wanting to understand the UK's Net Zero ambitions may ask how many plans it takes to switch on a light bulb.
The Energy Act 2023: a brave new world?
On 26 October 2023, the UK's Energy Act 2023 (the "Act") received Royal Assent, becoming one of the largest pieces of energy legislation in a generation. The Act was originally introduced in July 2022 by then Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng as the 'Energy Security Bill'. The Energy Security Bill was reviewed following the resignation of Boris Johnson and Liz Truss before being re-tabled to the House of Lords on 12 December 2022 under its new name, the Energy Act.
Talking. Secondaries. Part 9: Indirect transfer taxes (non-resident capital gains taxes)
Indirect transfer taxes (or non-resident capital gains taxes) are a key issue on secondary transactions. Generally, this issue can be navigated with a combination of early tax advice and contractual risk allocation between Buyer and Seller.
Residential leasehold reform: test your knowledge
Since the publication of the Government's 2017 white paper "Fixing our broken housing market", there has been much discussion about the Government's plans to reform the housing market especially by means of modernising the leasehold sector. The King's Speech on 7 November 2023 included further announcements about leasehold reform.
Autumn Statement 2023 - key tax measures announced
Find the latest news, views and our analysis of all the key announcements.
Travers Smith's Alternative Insights: Tax cuts for UK business – and a welcome focus on private capital
A regular briefing for the alternative asset management industry.
Investigations Round-up – November 2023
Welcome to the inaugural edition of our investigations newsletter, bringing you up-to-speed on the latest trends and developments in this ever-evolving area.
QCA Publishes Revised Corporate Governance Code
Last week the Quoted Companies Alliance (the "QCA") published its revised Corporate Governance Code (the "Revised Code"). The Revised Code will apply in respect of financial years beginning on or after 1 April 2024 and there will be a 12-month transition period (from 1 April 2024) during which companies will have additional flexibility to adjust to the provisions of the Revised Code.
Benchmarking clauses: getting the balance right
Benchmarking mechanisms in commercial agreements are intended to help customers to assess whether they are getting a good deal. But both suppliers and customers can sometimes end up feeling that the whole process is more trouble than it's worth.
Salaried members rules: the position for LLPs after BlueCrest
Emily Clark (Head of Asset Management) and Ian Zeider (Knowledge Counsel) have recently co-authored a Tax Journal article on the Upper Tribunal's decision in HMRC v BlueCrest Capital Management (UK) LLP relating to the application of the salaried members rules. In its decision, the Tribunal rejected HMRC’s restrictive interpretation of the exclusions from salaried member status.
Insights for In-house Counsel - Autumn 2023
Company Law and M&A
AIFMD II: the next phase of EU alternative investment fund regulation
On 10 November 2023, the text of an Amending Directive that will make amendments to the EU Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (EU AIFMD) was published. This set of changes is referred to as "AIFMD II".
Infrastructure Spotlight – Autumn 2023
In this edition, we highlight the key regulatory and policy developments this Autumn which will impact investors in and operators of energy and infrastructure assets in the UK. Please get in touch if you'd like to discuss any of the issues discussed below.
Employment Update - November 2023
Key employment and business immigration developments for employers.
Travers Smith's Sustainability Insights: The European Commission's review of SFDR
A regular briefing for the alternative asset management industry.
EU proposal on Critical Raw Materials
On 16 March 2023, the EU Commission announced plans for the "Critical Raw Materials Act" (the "CRMA"): a "comprehensive set of actions" designed to ensure long-term access in the EU to a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials. The proposal forms part of the Green Deal Industrial Plan, adopted in February 2023, which aims to create a regulatory environment which supports the net-zero transition.
Unfazed by Phase 2: the Panel provides guidance to avoid a 'naked' CMA Phase 2 process
On 27 October 2023, the Takeover Panel released an amended version of its Practice Statement 5 ("PS5") on invocation of conditions to takeover offers.
Practice Statement 5 now provides guidance on how bidders can both retain a "No Phase 2" condition, yet still have the protection of a materiality condition if the parties choose/are forced to proceed to a Phase 2 review.