Corporate Focus: Autumn 2025
Published on 6th October 2025
Welcome to our round-up of corporate law and regulation insights for large listed and unlisted corporate groups in the UK and the rest of Europe
Legal and regulatory highlights
UK counts down to identity checks for all directors and persons with significant control
Mandatory identity verification checks, which are set to start from 18 November this year, will apply to millions of individuals involved in corporate entities in the UK.
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Moving on up: the why, the why not to and how of London AIM to Main Market transfers
Changes to the UK Listing Rules have sparked increased interest from larger AIM-quoted companies in moving to the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange.
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PISCES: a new UK pathway for private company liquidity
The Private Intermittent Securities and Capital Exchange System is a new type of regulated share trading platform that will enable private companies to offer periodic liquidity to their shareholders while maintaining private status. It is intended to appeal to growth companies that wish to provide an exit event for investors, prior to a public listing or sale, as well as a market for employees to trade shares.
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UK government proposes changes to scope of National Security and Investment Act
A consultation running until 14 October proposes some simplification, as well as an update, to the sectors within scope of the regime that requires mandatory notification and clearance before a deal completes.
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TMC M&A trends: resilience, scalability and discipline will define success
Technology, media and communications dealmaking is alive but evolving, with investors becoming more selective. Discover Osborne Clarke's predictions for the TMC deal landscape and harness the potential of scalable and durable business models to attract investment.
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This article is part of our thought leadership publication, WAVE – Emerging legal trends in digitalisation.
Read the full publication >
How tech advances and new legislation are shaping UK staffing and recruitment valuations and deals
A nexus of tech, legal and tax factors will influence dealmaking for workforce solutions companies in the coming years.
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M&A on the move: what consolidation in international e-mobility means for strategic buyers and investors
The global e-mobility ecosystem is shifting gears. From electric vehicle charging infrastructure to fleet management platforms, battery tech, and clean last-mile logistics, consolidation is accelerating across the value chain. For US companies – particularly strategic buyers, private equity firms and mobility scale-ups – this opens the door to transformative opportunities in Europe.
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UK space industry optimistic for future growth amid challenging conditions
A UK Space Agency report on the state of the industry provides an optimistic outlook for the sector despite headwinds.
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A selection of recently announced deals
| Osborne Clarke advises Elixirr International plc on its c.£325 million Main Market listing View full details > | Osborne Clarke advises the shareholders of Masterplan on its acquisition by Amadeus Fire Group View full details > |
| Osborne Clarke advises on sale of AI company Forecast to Accelo View full details > | Osborne Clarke advises Big Potato Games on investment from Mobeus View full details > |
| Osborne Clarke advises on BGF investment in tech service provider PMC View full details > |
Focus on…
Company Secretary Forum
Join us for our virtual quarterly Company Secretary Forum at 09:30 on 8 October. Kate Mellor, head of corporate governance and Oliver Woods, senior associate in the corporate team, will provide an update on recent corporate governance changes of particular interest to general counsel and company secretaries of listed companies. The agenda will include updates on mandatory identity verification for directors, new reporting requirements for large companies on payment practices and new case law on directors' duties.
This quarter’s session includes a short insight piece from Ian White and Kate Fletcher from FutureMakers on the evolving dynamics of board leadership including how board makeup and chair effectiveness influence culture, decision-making and risk. The session will also preview two new peer groups launching in 2026 for non-executive directors and chairs.
Register now >
Navigating an Initial Public Offering
Momentum is returning to public markets, so now is the time to act if you are considering an IPO. Our webinar at 09:30 on 14 October, with experts Louise Grzasko and Ed Nisbet, will unpack a practical guide to listing your company in the UK. Aimed at finance and in-house legal teams we'll help you get to grips with legal complexities throughout the process and ensure the right teams are in place early on.
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Employee Ownership Trusts
Becoming an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT)-owned company offers many benefits, particularly when considering a future sale, but the process is not without its complexities. Join us for an hour's interactive webinar at 10:00 on 21 October when partners Michael Carter and Simon Smith will share their experiences in assisting a large number of companies becoming EOT-owned as well as the sale of EOT-controlled companies.
This session will be of interest to business owners looking to transition their company to an EOT structure as well as investors and companies interested in acquiring EOT-controlled businesses.
Register now >
