"Mergers and acquisitions" is a term used to describe the mergers, acquisitions and disposals of companies and businesses. International mergers and acquisitions (also called "cross-border") are where the buyer, seller and/or company to be acquired are situated in different countries.
Acquiring a company or existing business in a foreign country is a common way for the purchaser to establish or increase a presence in that country. International transactions can also occur when both seller and buyer are located in the same country, where the transaction involves the sale of foreign company (typically this is seen where the seller has used an offshore company for tax purposes).
When a cross-border company sale or merger takes place, as well as the normal commercial and legal issues arising in any such transaction, there are additional considerations which must be taken into account, such as:
- Differences in the legal systems between the countries involved
- Immigrations and emigration issues
- Cultural differences
- Additional tax implications arising from differences between the countries
Healys has extensive experience and expertise in advising on international mergers and acquisitions, involving foreign buyers purchasing in the UK, UK buyers purchasing abroad and sales and purchases of offshore companies. We also work closely with other professionals in the UK and abroad, such as foreign lawyers, accountants, tax advisers, real estate agents, recruitment consultants and relocation agents, and can introduce clients to a wide network of such professionals where necessary. We take a realistic and commercial approach to a client's needs, always ensuring that we understand the commercial aims of the transaction LLP.
