How the National Security and Investment Act could affect people or acquisitions outside the UK
Guidance on what type of acquisitions outside of the UK are covered by new rules under the National Security and Investment Act.
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The government can scrutinise and intervene in acquisitions made by anyone, including businesses and investors, that could harm the UK’s national security. The government can impose certain conditions on an acquisition or in rare cases block it completely.
These rules fall under the National Security and Investment Act, which came into force on 4 January 2022.
Under the Act, there are rules that apply to certain acquisitions of entities or assets that are outside, but have a connection to, the UK.
This guidance tells you:
- what type of acquisitions outside of the UK are covered by the rules
- common circumstances that would put an acquisition in scope of the rules
- examples of how the rules may affect parties not based in the UK
You should read this alongside the guidance on the rules under the National and Security Investment Act.
Updates to this page
Last updated 21 May 2024 + show all updates
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Updated with the latest information
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The National Security and Investment (NSI) Act came into force on 4 January 2022. The new rules have now started and the National Security and Investment notification service is open.
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First published.