Annual deal value more than doubled 2020’s total to reach all-time high  

Deal value exceeded US$1 trillion in every quarter for the first time in history, in just one example of the record-shattering 2021.  

The data White & Case gathered from 58 of the most active merger control jurisdictions globally reveals trends and insights that can't be gleaned from data on single jurisdictions considered in isolation.

Logistics, packaging and shipments companies are using M&A to expand their service coverage and future proof.

Heightened interest in medical suppliers, contract research organizations and biotech firms resulted in an impressive year for healthcare dealmaking.

Recent legislative reforms have increased the New Zealand government's ability to take national interest considerations into account, but have also looked to exclude lower-risk transactions

Japan continues to tighten foreign direct investment reviews but also offers a prior notification exemption

Government approval is required for all foreign investments from countries sharing a land border with India

China continued to strengthen its national security regulatory regime by introducing the new Data Security Law in 2021

Australia requires a wide variety of investments by foreign businesses to be reviewed and approved

The National Security and Investment Act introduces a mandatory obligation to secure clearance for certain types of transactions

Recent political pressure has been pushing toward a specific legal regime for foreign investment in Switzerland.

Measures enacted to protect the Spanish economy against the COVID-19 crisis may persist longer than expected

Further developments to Russian foreign investment laws introduce new requirements for investors and simplify regulation in some spheres

Investments relevant to national security are subject to review

In the Netherlands, there are only FDI rules and FDI-like rules in place that apply to specific sectors

In response to the COVID-19 emergency, the screening powers of the Italian government were significantly expanded

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy continues to tighten FDI control, but the investment climate remains liberal in principle

Following major reforms, the French Foreign Investments Control regime is now reaching cruising speed

Member States are introducing or expanding investment screening regimes, and the European Commission is now playing an active role

New rules require transactions involving Swedish security-sensitive activities or assets to undergo a security screening