The European Takeover Directive and Its Implementation

The EU Takeover Directive describes the history and the political and economic objectives of the Directive. Paul Van Hooghten offers detailed commentary on the text of the Directive including a discussion and explanation of each article. He provides insight on national takeover legislation as amended by the Directive in a number of key jurisdictions. This publication also addresses the optional agreements provided for in the Directive and all of the different provisions that may apply in the various member states. Particular attention is given to new provisions resulting from the Directive, with analysis from attorneys in each member state. Key issues covered include a discussion of the rights of employees under the Directive, a timetable for implementation, the sanctions for not implementing on schedule, and analysis of whether the Directive is compatible with the WTO obligations of the EU. Special attention in given to the Directive's impact on US companies bidding on companies established in the EU. Paul Van Hooghten is a partner at the Belgium office of Linklaters De Bandt, of the leading commercial law firms in Belgium. Prior to his current position, M. Van Hooghten was the managing partner of the New York office of the law firm De Bandt, van Hecke & Lagae. Mr. Van Hooghten's primary areas of expertise are international transactions in the field of company law, and mergers and acquisitions. He has published extensively in Belgium and the US, and is a regular contributor/speaker in conferences in Belgium and abroad.