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ARTICLE · 11 JANUARY 2022

Quick Reference Guide: UK National Security And Investment Act 2021

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The UK National Security and Investment Act 2021 (the "Act") entered into force on 4 January 2022: The Act enables the UK Government to screen, block and potentially unwind transactions giving rise...

United KingdomGovernment, Public Sector
David M. Harrison
David M. Harrison
Jason Hungerford
Jason Hungerford
Trevor Borthwick
Trevor Borthwick
Angela Lai
Angela Lai
James Harrison
James Harrison
Timothy J. Keeler
Timothy J. Keeler
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Key takeaways

The UK National Security and Investment Act 2021 (the "Act") entered into force on 4 January 2022:

  • The Act enables the UK Government to screen, block and potentially unwind transactions giving rise to national security concerns in the United Kingdom through a new authority: the Investment Security Unit ("ISU"). These powers are distinct from merger control.

  • Acquisitions of both entities and assets may fall within the scope of the Act. Additionally, acquisitions of control of entities operating within any of 17 specified sensitive sectors will be subject to mandatory notification and will be void unless approved. The Act may apply outside the customary scope of M&A.

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