LONDON, Dec 19 — A new British bill enabling the government to intervene in takeovers that threaten national security will include blocking the purchase of assets, such as intellectual property, as well as whole businesses.
The move to increase scrutiny of corporate deals was included in the legislative agenda set out by Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government today, a week after his sweeping election victory.
The government said in October it would strengthen its powers to block or intervene in the foreign purchase of any company that could affect national security.
It said today that as part of its efforts to prevent hostile parties from interfering in national security, it could also block the sale of key assets such as intellectual property.
Under the plan set out in October, a notification system will enable companies to flag transactions with potential security concerns to the government for a quick screening.
The government could then add conditions to a deal or block the transaction as a last resort. Companies will be able to appeal. — Reuters
