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07 March 2025
Issue: 8107 / Categories: Legal News , National security , International
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NLJ this week: Policing business deals that could threaten national security

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The UK government has the power to review and potentially stop any business transactions that could threaten national security, courtesy of legislation that came into effect at the start of 2022. In this week’s NLJ, Ludovica Pizzetti, counsel, Arnold & Porter, looks at the operation to date of this legislation, the UK National Investment and Security Act 2021 (NSIA 2021).

Pizzetti sets out key trends that have emerged in relation to NSIA 2021 as well as anticipated developments in the year ahead. She notes that ‘the UK regime is, at least to a certain extent, country agnostic. There are several examples—including in the last 12 months—where UK acquirers have been subject to an in-depth review and cleared subject to conditions. Acquirers from other “friendly” nations such as the US, Canada, and various EU member states have also undergone close scrutiny and even been made subject to remedy decisions.’

Pizzetti also provides a brief overview of the ‘increasing array’ of US trade and investment regulation that may affect cross-Atlantic deals. 

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Katten Muchin Rosenman—Charlotte Hill

Katten Muchin Rosenman—Charlotte Hill

Katten strengthens financial markets and funds group in London

Hugh James—Keith Cundall & Lee Hart

Hugh James—Keith Cundall & Lee Hart

Hugh James expands national Serious Injury team with two new Partners

HFW—Rémi Ducloyer

HFW—Rémi Ducloyer

HFW continues Paris office growth with public law Partner hire

NEWS
The Court of Appeal's decision in Mazur v Charles Russell Speechlys LLP has lifted months of uncertainty for Chartered Legal Executives while prompting a rethink of regulation and supervision
The assisted dying debate returns to Westminster as Lauren Edwards MP reintroduces legislation that stalled in the House of Lords last session despite clearing the Commons
A little-noticed provision of the Crime and Policing Act 2026 has fundamentally expanded corporate criminal liability
Artificial intelligence is transforming legal practice, but careless reliance on it is creating growing professional risks
The law offers cohabiting couples surprisingly greater protection after one partner dies than when they separate during life
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