Legal regulation of mergers and acquisitions has recently been improved significantly. Antitrust law provisions in respect of the acquisition of businesses have been simplified, and monetary and company law provisions have been reformed – squeeze-outs are now possible. Since recently, Russian shares may be paid in foreign currencies.

Amendments to the Russian Law on Limited Liability Companies complicated the process of acquiring shares in a company’s authorized capital: share transfer agreements now need to be notarized; whereas, prior to July 2009 the simple written form was sufficient. On the other hand, in early 2012, two new types of business were introduced: investment partnerships and economic partnerships, which imply an easier share transfer process.

We will gladly provide support for your project starting at the very first steps – the preparation of a confidentiality agreement and a so-called memorandum of understanding over the course of legal and tax due diligence, the preparation and approval of the terms and conditions of the share purchase agreement, etc. to the last formal steps – the signing of the agreement at a Russian notary public.

If you intend to strengthen your market share and business standing on the Russian market and purchase information, technology, and other assets and at the same time mitigating existing risks by means of sharing or cooperation, you should consider establishing a joint venture.

Joint ventures with Russian partners are a very appealing opportunity to secure a strong foothold on the Russian market. Such a strong foothold is secured, in addition to professional legal procedures, by acquiring information, including information about the seller (access to which is often restricted), market conditions, and potential risks.

The question of whether the establishment of a joint venture with a partner is feasible and whether it will yield profits can be answered only after a complete assessment of all the existing circumstances and conditions, including potential conflict risks between long-term and short-term interests, conflict situations, etc.

Our primary concern during the entire process will be to protect and pursue your interests. Our experience allows us to prevent potential risks for your business and protect your interests even in the most challenging situations.