A practical guide for European business owners and advisers pursuing U.S. acquisition-led growth Audience: European business owners and advisers evaluating U.S. acquisitions. Focus: how private debt can improve execution certainty, flexibility, and post-closing capacity. Why Private Debt Matters in U.S. Acquisitions For many middle-market European companies, acquisition-led expansion into the United States is strategically attractive. The U.S. offers scale, sector depth, a large target universe, and the ability to build a meaningful market position faster than through organic growth alone. Too often...

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On March 26, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that proposes significant changes related to how prevailing wages are calculated for employers seeking to hire foreign workers under H-1B, H-1B1, and E-3 visa statuses, as well as permanent labor certification under PERM for EB-2 and EB-3 employment-based immigrant visa programs. Quick Hits The DOL issued an NPRM that would require significantly higher wages for foreign workers using H-1B, H-1B, and E-3 visas,...

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This article outlines the Net Zero Industry Act’s scope, key regulatory and procurement measures, and what businesses should keep in mind as they prepare. In this article, we outline the scope of the Net Zero Industry Act, highlight its key regulatory and procurement measures, and explain what businesses should consider as they plan for its impact. The European Union (EU) continues to accelerate its transition to a climate neutral economy, with the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA) considered a central legislative component of this initiative. Emerging...

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Welcome to the latest edition of the Stephenson Harwood Data and Cyber Update, covering the key developments in data protection and cyber security law in March 2026. In data regulation news, the UK government publishes its long-awaited Copyright and Artificial Intelligence report and impact assessment, and the European Data Protection Board and European Data Protection Supervisor issue a joint Opinion on the European Biotech Act proposal. In cybersecurity news, the European Commission publishes draft guidance on the Cyber Resilience Act, Companies...

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Expanding your business to the U.S. is an exciting venture! But if you're coming from a VAT-familiar region, like the EU, you'll quickly discover that U.S. sales tax plays by different rules. Don't worry, this guide is designed to be your friendly compass, helping you translate your VAT know-how into confident U.S. sales tax compliance! VAT BASICS (A QUICK REFRESHER) To truly grasp U.S. sales tax, let's briefly revisit the VAT system many international businesses are accustomed to: What is VAT? Value Added Tax...

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