Common Legal Framework for Takeover Bids in Europe: Volume 1

The Council Directive of 21 April 2004 on takeover bids sets forth the general principles applicable to takeover bids and clarifies certain minimum rules with respect to the procedure for a takeover bid, the obligation to make a mandatory bid in the event a minimum threshold is crossed and the majority shareholder's squeeze-out right as well as the minority shareholders' sell-out right.

Furthermore, the Directive defines the authority which is competent to approve offer documents and supervise takeover bids, and provides for optional restrictions on the actions of the target company's management and on defence mechanisms. This book discusses the Takeover Directive and its implementing rules in each Member State of the European Union and the European Economic Area, providing companies and their advisors with useful insight into the legal framework and principles applicable to takeover bids in the region.

• Gives an overview of legislation in each country of the European Economic Area, offering readers a quick understanding of the rules applicable in each of the countries
• Analyses the rules applicable to takeover bids on securities admitted to trading in Europe, thus providing a useful tool for the legal language relating to publication of a prospectus
• The critical appraisal of the whole concept and its usefulness in practice, and includes contacts who can provide further information