The Dutch government has announced a significant expansion of the ‘Wet veiligheidstoets investeringen, fusies en overnames’ (Vifo Act), the Netherlands’ investment screening framework. It is proposed that, with effect from Jan. 1, 2027, six additional technology sectors will become subject to mandatory security screening in the context of investments, mergers, and acquisitions. This development reflects the Netherlands’ commitment to protecting national security while maintaining an open economy.

Click here to read the full GT Alert.

Tags: Antitrust Litigation & Competition Regulation, GT Insight, mergers and acquisitions, national security
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Photo of Samuel Garcia Nelen Samuel Garcia Nelen

Samuel is a Shareholder in the firm’s corporate law practice. He advises corporates, financial institutions and private capital players on a broad range of corporate transactions, with a special focus on regulated deals: public M&A, capital markets and private M&A in regulated sectors…

Samuel is a Shareholder in the firm’s corporate law practice. He advises corporates, financial institutions and private capital players on a broad range of corporate transactions, with a special focus on regulated deals: public M&A, capital markets and private M&A in regulated sectors (including financial services and energy & infrastructure).

Samuel has deep experience on the full range of corporate transactions, including domestic and international mergers, acquisitions and disposals, public offers, controlled auctions, cross-border mergers, dual track processes, IPOs, private placements, accelerated bookbuild offerings, rights issues and SPAC transactions.

Samuel is a recognized individual in the Legal 500 for M&A and equity capital markets. He has been ranked among the top dealmakers in the Dutch M&A market (by deal value) since 2020. Samuel has practiced in the Netherlands and in Spain.

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Photo of Robert Hardy Robert Hardy

Dr. Robert Hardy, LL.M. (Harvard) is a Local Partner in the firm’s Amsterdam office. He advises clients on matters spanning a wide spectrum of economic sectors, including consumer products, energy, financial services, manufacturing, life sciences, TMT, and transportation.

Robert focuses his practice on:

…

Dr. Robert Hardy, LL.M. (Harvard) is a Local Partner in the firm’s Amsterdam office. He advises clients on matters spanning a wide spectrum of economic sectors, including consumer products, energy, financial services, manufacturing, life sciences, TMT, and transportation.

Robert focuses his practice on:

  • Antitrust Litigation & Competition Regulation
  • International Trade
  • Regulatory & Compliance.

Antitrust Litigation & Competition Regulation

Robert’s practice covers a wide range of issues under European and Dutch competition law. He represents clients before the European Commission (EC), the Dutch Competition Authority (ACM), the Dutch administrative law courts, and the EU courts in matters relating to cartel defense, abuse of dominance, merger control, and State aid proceedings. Additionally, he represents clients before the Dutch civil law courts on issues relating to antitrust damages claims.

International Trade

Robert provides clients with guidance on ex-U.S. foreign investment review – e.g., foreign direct investment (FDI) / national security regimes –, intellectual property – standard essential patents (SEPs) and FRAND licensing disputes before the Dutch civil law courts –, transactions, import and export controls, and sanctions.

Regulatory & Compliance

Robert advises clients on a diverse range of EU and Dutch regulatory frameworks that impact business matters. He provides proactive and responsive advice and legal risk assessments to clients, assisting with day-to-day business transactions, counseling on the applicability and effect of regulations, and providing guidance on how to mitigate the risks of potential enforcement actions – e.g., helping clients build effective yet practical internal compliance programs, and advising companies on commercial agency, distribution, and franchise arrangements.

Robert is a member of the Amsterdam Sustainability Desk. The Sustainability Desk is available daily and provides assistance and support for real estate sustainability inquiries in the Netherlands and the EU. Please visit our dedicated Sustainability Desk page for more information.

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