Search results for

Elias Neocleous Law 144(I) of 2015 amends the Partnerships and Business Names Law (Cap 116) to introduce the concept of partnerships limited by shares (commonly referred to as limited liability partnerships, or LLPs) to the law of Cyprus. LLPs and their equivalents are widely used in other jurisdictions, particularly for investment holding purposes, and their introduction into Cyprus will provide a convenient new vehicle.

For US counsel mulling over how corporate equity markets will play out this year, front of mind is the question of whether 2015's disappointing initial public offering (IPO) activity will continue.

Catherine Tsang The new year marked a new start for a number of lawyers in Hong Kong. MAYER BROWN JSM, looking to build on its recent association with PRC firm Jingtian & Gongcheng, added a new partner in the special administrative region. Nicholas Chan – an expert on Hong Kong's IPO market – joined from Sidley Austin where he was a partner in its corporate finance group. WHITE & CASE also hired in Hong Kong, adding partner Catherine Tsang from Paul Hastings to strengthen its corporate and capital markets capabilities. ASHURST brought in partner Joshua Cole from King & Wood Mallesons to focus on Asian M&A; and UK firm INCE & CO added Balbir Bindra from CEC North Star Energy to reinforce its Asia transactional practice. Also in Hong Kong, OLSWANG established a non-exclusive association with local firm HALDANES to expand its media advisory, regulatory and transactional expertise.

This year’s hostile tactics look a lot less aggressive than in 2015 Hostile takeovers could rise in 2016, as last year's mega deals are replaced by smaller consolidations and activist shareholders continuing to push boards into action.

John Breslin In Ireland activity continues to increase in the commercial lending, structured and aviation finance markets. The general consensus is that Ireland is firmly in recovery mode. However, recent comments by George Osborne, the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, warning of the potential impact of global risks to the UK economy merit close attention. These risks include the decline in commodity prices, developments in Asian economies including China, and the potential impact on the world economy of increases in interest rates. In addition, the outcome of a referendum in the UK to decide whether the UK will remain part of a reformed European Union is expected to have a significant impact on the Irish economy.

Tomohiro Koyasu On April 1 2016 the retail electricity market in Japan will be fully liberalised to enable all consumers, including those in the household sector, to choose their preferred electricity supplier. This reform of the power industry is one of the steps taken by the government to address the vulnerabilities of the previous system, which was almost completely monopolised by regional electricity companies. These weaknesses were exposed following the Great East Japan Earthquake and the resulting nuclear disaster in 2011.

Bisola Olusoga The Nigerian Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) is currently being considered for passage into law in distinct parts, each instalment dealing fully with the matters to which it pertains. It is understood that this piecemeal approach represents a policy measure for the convenient management of the controversies which have historically plagued the PIB. The first part to be enacted, the Petroleum Industry Governance and Institutional Framework Bill aims to create efficient and effective governing institutions, with clearly delineated roles within the petroleum industry. It will also establish a framework for the creation of commercially oriented and profit-driven petroleum entities and promote transparency and accountability in the administration of petroleum resources in Nigeria.

Bracewell & Giuliani’s Alastair Young, Darren Spalding and Paige Bennett explain why the pro-freedom of contract interpretation is at odds with the judiciary in Australia and the US

Struggling debtors have been testing the countries' new restructuring regimes. Paul Hastings’ Joy Gallup explains how debtor-in-possession funding is their favoured tool

Daniel Futej Rudolf Sivák In order to increase consumer protection in the Slovak Republic, several acts relating to bills of exchange have recently been amended. However, these changes do not only concern consumers. Amendments were passed because bills of exchange – and the strict fulfillment of their obligations – are easy to abuse. Sadly this abuse does occur, particularly in dealings with consumers.