On 4 January 2022, the National Security and Investment (NSI) Act - the biggest shake-up in 20 years of the UK's system for screening investments for risks to national security - will come into full force across the UK.
Today (Monday 15 November 2021), further guidance to help businesses understand their legal duties under the NSI Act has been published.
From 4 January 2022, the government will be able to scrutinise and intervene in certain acquisitions made by anyone, including businesses and investors, that could harm the UK's national security.
The government will be able to impose certain conditions on an acquisition or, if necessary, unwind or block it - although the government expects to do this rarely and the vast majority of deals will be able to proceed without delay.
Businesses and investors are encouraged to get ready for the changes and the guidance published today will help to ensure a smooth transition to the new rules. The guidance helps businesses and investors to:
- assess whether the government must be notified of an acquisition. Mandatory notification will apply across 17 sensitive areas of the economy, including Artificial Intelligence and Civil Nuclear
- understand what to expect when they submit a notification form and go through the NSI notification and assessment process. This includes information on what parties can expect while their acquisition is being considered, such as requests
