The introduction of the UK National Security and Investment Act 2021 (the “Act”) on 4 January 2022 has brought major changes to the UK's investment screening regime. The Act introduces a mandatory notification regime for transactions in 17 “high risk” areas of the economy, which include advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, data infrastructure, energy, synthetic biology, and quantum technologies. The Act, which is far-reaching, covers non-UK targets with activities in the UK. Failure to notify and achieve clearance prior to...

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The global business and financial climate continue to be shaped by four forces as the New Year begins: Covid, elevated price pressures, the divergence of monetary policy,  and the general reduction of fiscal stimulus.   A year ago, the hope was that the vaccine would help us overcome the coronavirus, whose origin remains as mysterious as the deadly influenza a century ago. The hope now is that the Omicron mutations and T-cells in the body, rather than the vaccine per se,...

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In Part 1 of this series, we examined the effect of sustainable strategies upon rents and leasing of U.S. office assets. Utilizing LEED-certification as an indicator, we determined that there was a noticeable premium for rents and revenue, controlling for quality, age and class of buildings. In Part 2 of this series, we examine how LEED certification impacts sale pricing. Over the past 10 years, LEED-certified office buildings made up 29.7% of total office investment sales in the U.S., comprising $357.4B...

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Are you confident that you and your organization are heading towards lasting and positive change? The COVID-19 pandemic has rattled many organizations, but with the right approach, challenges can be turned into opportunities. A fresh look at strategic plans, people needs, and technology infrastructure can help ensure short- and long-term financial success. Prioritize planning to drive success After nearly 24 months of upheaval, it is understandable that many organizations haven’t had time to update their strategic plans.  Others might not have...

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This article is part of Portolano Cavallo’s “INFORM@Digital & IP” Newsletter. Click here to subscribe Italy has published Legislative Decrees No. 173/2021 and No. 170/2021 in the Official Journal (Gazzetta Ufficiale), which marks completion of the transposition of Directive (EU) 2019/770 on certain aspects concerning contracts for the supply of digital content and digital services and Directive (EU) 2019/771 on certain aspects concerning contracts for the sale of goods. These decrees amend the Consumer Code (Italian Legislative Decree No. 206/2005) by introducing new...

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On 22 December 2021 the European Commission (hereinafter: ‘EC’) presented two legislative proposals for EU directives, one to introduce a global minimum corporate tax rate and one to target EU shell entities. The key aspects of both proposals are discussed below. 1. Proposal for a Directive on a minimum effective tax rate of 15% The proposal for a directive on ensuring a global minimum level of taxation for multinationals and large-scale domestic groups in the EU introduces a minimum effective tax rate...

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On 22 December 2021, the EU Commission issued two major draft directives that are expected to have a significant impact on EU corporate taxpayers. On 22 December 2021, the EU Commission issued two major draft directives that are expected to have a significant impact on EU corporate taxpayers: a proposal for a Council Directive laying down rules to prevent the misuse of shell entities for tax purposes and amending Directive 2011/16/EU (the “Unshell Proposal”); and a proposal for a...

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On Dec. 16, Congress voted unanimously to pass the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, and President Biden is expected to sign the bill into law before the end of the year. The Act is the strongest legislation yet in response to forced labor in the supply chain of imported products and their components.  The Act creates a “rebuttable presumption” that goods produced or manufactured in Xinjiang, or by certain entities, are made with forced labor and are prohibited from...

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On 20 December 2021, the OECD released its Pillar Two model rules, also referred to as the “Anti Global Base Erosion” or “GloBE” rules, for participant jurisdictions to implement most of the Pillar Two rules. These rules seek enforcing a minimum 15% effective tax rate on profits earned by large multinational enterprises in each jurisdiction where they realise profits. The entry into force is targeted for 2023. The publication of the GloBE rules lifts the veil on a range of...

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