As national security and supply chain security are focal points of economic policy, foreign investment has come under increased scrutiny by governments around the world. More jurisdictions have introduced or strengthened foreign investment review and more sectors are being covered.

Beyond military and defense, critical infrastructure and advanced/sensitive technologies are now the focus of attention. The field of law even outgrew its traditional name: in most jurisdictions, foreign direct investment review (FDI Review) is no longer limited to direct investments. Most foreign investment review regimes may be triggered by acquisitions of non-controlling interests or by the presence of a foreign investor far up the chain of ownership. Even purely domestic acquisitions may be covered in some jurisdictions.

Violations of foreign investment review rules, such as the failure to notify a transaction or "gun-jumping", can have drastic consequences, including transactions being void, severe fines and even criminal liability. Foreign investment review thus needs to be on the checklist for every corporate/M&A deal.

Dentons is uniquely equipped to help you navigate this complex and dynamic environment with confidence.

• We are present in all major developed markets and the world’s top investment destinations, such as Europe, UK, USA, Canada, Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and Asia Pacific. As a result, our market-leading team can both coordinate foreign investment review globally and provide in-depth advice for a significant number of jurisdictions, such as China, the US, Germany, France, Italy, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, India and many others.
• We regularly deal with the national regulatory authorities in charge of foreign investment review, both through our legal and our political advisory teams.
• We closely accompany you from the structuring of the transaction and through the review process, including negotiating with the regulatory authorities as required.
• We also have experience in high profile FDI litigation cases before national courts.
• Our foreign investment review teams work seamlessly with our adjacent practices such as corporate/M&A, antitrust/merger control, regulatory (e.g. life science/healthcare, telecommunication etc.) so you can get your deal through as smoothly as possible.

We have successfully helped our clients to obtain clearances quickly in multiple jurisdictions in parallel and in sensitive sectors, such as defense, energy, critical infrastructure and advanced technology.

For further information and to keep up-to-date on foreign investment regimes, please also refer to Dentons’ FDI Global Tracker.

Insights

UAE publishes new merger control filing thresholds

February 17, 2025

UAE: The UAE Cabinet recently issued Decision No. (3) of 2025 confirming the filing thresholds that will apply under the new merger control regime effective from 31 March 2025. This brings important and long-awaited clarity to the new UAE merger control regime, which was enacted in December 2023, and it is hoped that further details of the regime will become clearer once the upcoming Implementing Regulations are published (or through other legislative guidance).

Dentons' Canadian Regulatory Trends to Watch in 2025

January 22, 2025

As Canada enters 2025, its regulatory landscape is set to evolve against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, technological advancement and shifting global dynamics. The outcome of the US election, along with rapid technological innovation, are expected to drive unprecedented changes, creating both opportunities and challenges for businesses navigating this evolving environment.

How India is using its legal system to attract foreign investment

December 11, 2024

United Kingdom: India is becoming an increasingly attractive target for international expansion by Scottish businesses as its economy continues to grow rapidly. The world's most populous nation, India was also the fastest growing large economy in the world in 2024. Economists predict the country will become the third largest economy globally by 2030, behind China and the US, overtaking Germany and Japan by the end of this decade.

View all insights for Foreign Investment Review

News and Events

Recent Press Releases

Dentons advises BiaVest on the acquisition of Riesa Nudeln

October 9, 2023

Global law firm Dentons has advised food-focused investment company BiaVest on the acquisition of an 80% stake in German food manufacturer Riesa Nudeln.

Dentons advises Farmak on acquisitions in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Ukraine

June 15, 2023

Global law firm Dentons advised Farmak, Ukraine’s leading pharmaceutical company, on a series of strategic acquisitions from a portfolio company of private equity house Novator. Farmak acquired pharmaceutical marketing companies in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, together with the relevant IP rights and trademarks, and in a separate transaction, a Ukrainian business owning a product portfolio, selected assets, and IP rights and trademarks.

Dentons advises Eni Sustainable Mobility on the strategic partnership with PBF Energy for St. Bernard biorefinery in the US

February 28, 2023

Dentons assisted Eni Sustainable Mobility in entering into the agreements for a strategic partnership with PBF Energy in a 50-50 joint venture named St. Bernard Renewables (SBR) in relation to the biorefinery, currently under construction, co-located with PBF’s Chalmette Refinery in Louisiana, US, dedicated to the biorefining and production of HVO Diesel (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, commonly known as ‘renewable diesel’ in North America). The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

View all press releases for Foreign Investment Review