S&C lawyers based in the Firm’s Frankfurt, London, New York and Paris offices authored chapters of the 2026 edition of Global Legal Post’s Global M&A Law Guide, which provides a comparative analysis of the legal frameworks governing M&A transactions across 34 key jurisdictions. The Guide examines factors shaping the dealmaking landscape, including increased regulatory scrutiny, geopolitical tensions, technological change and the influence of private capital.
Introduction and United States – Frank Aquila and Julia Liu
Senior M&A Partner Frank Aquila, who served as Editor of the Guide, authored the introductory chapter with associate Julia Liu. They provide an overview of the legal frameworks discussed throughout the Guide, noting that “global dealmaking continues to evolve—reflecting both increasing convergence in transaction practice and meaningful divergence in regulatory, political and governance regimes.”
Read the introduction.
The authors also provided a Q&A chapter focused on the U.S. jurisdiction, examining transaction structures, legal and regulatory framework, the current M&A market environment, future outlook and other key considerations relevant to the U.S. M&A landscape.
Read the chapter.
France – Olivier de Vilmorin and Olivier Bishop
Olivier de Vilmorin, Managing Partner in S&C’s Paris Office, and associate Olivier Bishop authored a Q&A chapter on France’s M&A markets and legal framework. The authors highlight key active sectors in this region including technology; energy transition and renewables; healthcare and life sciences; infrastructure; and consumer and luxury brands.
Read the chapter.
Germany – Silke Jurczyga
Silke Jurczyga, Partner in S&C’s Frankfurt Office, authored a Q&A chapter on Germany’s M&A environment and key laws and regulations relevant to dealmakers. She discusses trends across M&A markets, including an uptick in activity across the defence sector. “[T]he defence/tech area is gaining momentum following a surge in investments, fuelled by uncertainty surrounding geopolitical conflicts and Europe’s focus on ramping up defence capabilities … with the defence sector as well as the energy transition field poised to capture a growing share of M&A activity.”
Read the chapter.
United Kingdom – Vanessa Blackmore, Jeremy Kutner and Vanessa Chia
Vanessa Blackmore and Jeremy Kutner, Partners in S&C’s London Office, and associate Vanessa Chia authored a Q&A chapter on M&A trends and considerations in the United Kingdom. The authors highlight an optimistic M&A market outlook and note revised regulatory guidance, with a more permissive approach as one factor contributing to more balanced M&A scrutiny.
Read the chapter.
Read the full Comparative Guide: Global M&A Law Guide