International strategy

Stability

The economic and political stability of the state the party you plan on doing business with is important.

All investors need to proactively manage stakeholders interests as a part of their deal strategy.

This can be difficult if you are engaging with parties who operate in a rapidly changing or unpredictable policy environment, or if they are likely to be subject to significant state intervention.

1. Do you have confidence in the political and economic stability of the state in which the overseas party operates?
2. Are the individuals or organisations you want to do business with free from state direction and intervention?

Confidentiality and transparency

Most advanced economies have long adhered to an open, rules-based approach to foreign investment. However the rules for what information is openly available and shareable may differ country by country.

This could include how much information an individual or organisation is compelled to share with the state.

1. Does the state the overseas party adhere to an open, rules-based approach to international business?
2. Are you confident that the state the overseas party operates in will not compel individuals or organisations to share sensitive information on request?

Roles and responsibilities

Each country will usually impose strong directors' duties and responsibilities and clearly outline how an entity can and can't operate. This may be different to the rules of operating in the UK.

The roles and responsibilities can also be shaped by the cultural context of where you are doing business, and may not always be obvious.

1. Are the commercial roles and responsibilities clear and well documented in law and legal precedent in the state in which the overseas party operates?
2. Are you aware of the relevant non-legal, cultural protocols in relation to doing business with the overseas party?

Remedies

If something does go wrong, you will need to be aware of the remedies available to you in the country you are doing business in.

Enforcement of foreign judgements and arbitration awards are critical to the protection of foreign investment rights.

At times, your right to fair and equitable treatment may be captured in lesser-known treaties.

Regardless, do not assume that the protections in UK law will automatically apply, especially in relation to intangible assets such as intellectual property.

1. Does the state in which the overseas party you are doing business with is based have a fair, equitable and non-discriminatory regime for remedies?
2. Are your assets (such as your people, intellectual property, data, IT networks and operational systems) effectively protected when engaging or doing business with the overseas party?

These considerations will highlight areas where you may need to do further work as a part of your due diligence. It is important to confirm that the decisions you are making will protect your commercial interests in the long term and not adversely impact UK's national security. In addition to advice from lawyers and security experts, here are some places you can go for further information.