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ARTICLE · 27 APRIL 2018

Prudence Or Protectionism?

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The UK government is to introduce enhanced powers to scrutinise mergers on grounds of national security and is considering further, more substantial such powers.

United KingdomGovernment, Public Sector
Nigel Seay
Nigel Seay
Stephen Whitfield
Stephen Whitfield
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Enhanced UK powers to scrutinise mergers on grounds of national security

The UK government is to introduce enhanced powers to scrutinise mergers on grounds of national security and is considering further, more substantial such powers. This briefing looks at what these changes are likely to mean and whether they represent a move towards a more protectionist approach.

In October 2017, the UK government consulted on two sets of proposals designed to broaden its powers to scrutinise mergers on grounds of national security. In March 2018, it announced that it has decided to implement the first set of proposals; the second set (the longer term reforms) is still being considered.

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