Foreign mergers account for the majority of worldwide M&A activity. With the global economy on the rebound, cross-border M&A activity is expected to reach record levels. The numbers of cross-border deals currently in the works include: Indian personal care products maker Godrej Consumer Products Ltd is in talks with Argentina-based hair color products firm, … [Read more...]
The BRICfast Club (Part III): China and Brazil Sign Trade and Investment Agreements at BRIC Summit
Oil and Steel Industries to Benefit This is the third in a series of posts dedicated to the BRIC countries. While the late John Hughes would have appreciated the titular tribute to his Breakfast Club classic, the series is meant to stimulate a robust discussion among those interested in the subject. For the uninitiated, BRIC is an acronym coined by Goldman Sachs to … [Read more...]
Top Ten International Economic Trends for 2010. It's Good News.
As an international business attorney, I’ve got to stay on top of global markets to provide my clients with the best possible service. But with things moving so fast these days, it can be hard to keep up. Thanks to a highly insightful presentation authored by Byron Wien, Senior Managing Director at The Blackstone Group, staying on top of things just got a little … [Read more...]
Global Corporate Tax Trends for 2010: An Overview of 183 Countries.
The World Bank Group's Doing Business Project recently released the 2010 edition of its Paying Taxes Report. The report is unique in that it measures the ease of paying taxes across 183 economies, by assessing the time required for companies to prepare and file tax returns and pay taxes, and also the company’s total tax liability as a percentage of commercial profits. The … [Read more...]
The BRICfast Club: A Series of Posts Dedicated to Brazil, Russia, India and China (Part II)
India Needs Massive Investment in Physical Infrastructure to Catch China Growth This is the second in a series of posts dedicated to the BRIC countries. While the late John Hughes would have appreciated the titular tribute to his Breakfast Club classic, the series is meant to stimulate a robust discussion among those interested in the subject. For the uninitiated, BRIC is an … [Read more...]
Doing Business in Japan Teleconference. $768.8 Billion Reasons to Attend
The International Law Prof Blog has passed along details about an upcoming teleconference, “Doing Business with Japan,” sponsored by the American Bar Association Section of International Law. The conference could not come at a better time. Businessweek’s Daniel Kruger reported this week that Japan has overtaken China as the largest foreign holder of … [Read more...]
The Ultimate Hidden Fee: U.S. Based Multinational Companies Face $122 Billion Tax Burden Under Proposed Bill
And Why Relocating to Switzerland May be the Best Corporate Strategy There’s nothing more annoying than finding hidden fees buried deep inside obtuse and mangled contract language. The only thing worse than finding hidden fees is learning about these punishing provisions from someone else—after you’ve signed the agreement. If you thought hidden fees … [Read more...]
The BRICfast Club: A Series of Posts Dedicated to Brazil, Russia, India and China (Part I)
Hey Brazil--Take Your Time With Those BITs, I Can Get Them Somewhere Else! Today we’re launching the first in a series of posts on the BRIC countries in a fast, quick read format. While the late John Hughes would have appreciated the titular tribute to his Breakfast Club classic, the series is meant to stimulate a robust discussion among those interested in … [Read more...]
2010 Index of Economic Freedom Released: United States Ranks Eighth
The Wall Street Journal and the Heritage Foundation released its annual 2010 Index of Economic Freedom. Of the world's 20 largest economies, Hong Kong ranked first while the U.S. came in at number eight. According to the Wall Street Journal article, The U.S. is Not as Free as It Used to Be, a number of factors contributed to the United States’ … [Read more...]
India Doubles Number of Billionaires: Will Its Proposed Business Laws Threaten Gain?
Recession? What recession? Business in India is booming. Forbes is reporting that India's Billionaire Club nearly doubled in the past year. According to the Forbes special report, India's 100 Richest, the nation is now home to 52 Billionaires, up from 27 last year. According to the report: The combined fortune of India's 100 richest is $276 billion, almost one-fourth the … [Read more...]