The Takeover Panel has published a consultation paper (PCP 2022/2) setting out proposed changes to the definition of “acting on concert” in the Code. The changes, which are highly complex and technical in nature, are in part a codification of existing Panel practice. There are, however, are some important adjustments that, given the potentially significant consequences of being considered to be “acting in concert” (e.g. setting a floor price for an offer and/or triggering a mandatory bid obligation), it will be important for offer participants and their advisers to familiarise themselves with.

A wide-ranging review of the UK Listing Regime by Lord Hill was published on 3 March (click here for a copy), timed neatly to coincide with the Budget. The aim is to radically improve the competitiveness of UK as a listing venue and is part of Rishi Sunak’s Big Bang 2.0 for the City. Some of the proposed rule changes would require primary legislation by the Government and the current timeframe for that is uncertain. However, a large number of the key recommendations are aimed at the FCA and the FCA has stated that, subject to consultation feedback and FCA Board approval, it will seek to make relevant rule changes by late 2021.

The FRC has this week published a paper on AGMs and best practice, based on their review of 2020 AGMs (202 AGMs of FTSE 350 companies between March and August). The fundamental message is that it is important for companies in the context of AGMs to facilitate

A number of high-profile listings including Facebook, Snap, Alibaba and LinkedIn have thrust dual class shares back into the spotlight. In 2018 both the Hong Kong SAR and Singapore stock exchanges revised their listing rules within months of each other to permit the listing of companies with dual class or…