John Schmidt Unpacks UK National Security and Investment Act in GCR

Partner John Schmidt, who leads the firm’s UK Competition team in London, was quoted in the Global Competition Review article, “UK Urged To Address NSIA Hurdles Amidst Investment Push.” The article emphasizes the need for the UK government to issue additional and improved guidance on the National Security and Investment Act (NSIA) as it seeks to attract foreign investment.

Schmidt said that although a fast-track process for investors from certain allied countries “would be helpful,” it is unlikely that the government will establish any mechanism tied to these investors due to the definitional issues around setting such categories. He noted that the NSIA is a powerful piece of regulation.

“There are some ‘easy wins’ in how the process could be optimized,” such as exempting internal reorganizations from a mandatory review, clarifying the jurisdictional boundaries between the mandatory regime and voluntary call-ins, and optimizing the review process, Schmidt added.

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