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The long-awaited Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Law was finally passed by parliament in April 1997. The M&A Law is based on EU Directives and is fully harmonized with EU rules.

The Colombian government, recognizing the importance of an efficient telecommunications infrastructure, has taken steps in the last few years to liberalize Colombia's regulatory framework. These changes have created significant investment opportunities in a number of areas, including local telephone services.

Four US appeal court rulings on Lloyd’s-related litigation have failed to resolve the issues. The conflict challenges part of the US securities law regime. By David Bernstein of Rogers & Wells, New York

Privatization: amendments to corporate and capital markets law. On April 10 1997, Congress approved a Bill introducing amendments to Law 6404/76 (Law on Corporations) and 6385/76 (Law on Capital Markets). Rights of minority shareholders have been altered to allow more flexibility in cases of mergers or split-ups. The aim of the Bill is to assist the privatization process.

UK supermarket chain Tesco has expanded into Ireland with its £630 million (US$1 billion) acquisition of Associated British Food's Irish supermarket interests. These include market leaders Quinnsworth, in Ireland, and Stewarts, in Northern Ireland. The deal, which has yet to be cleared by the European Commission, is Tesco's second attempt to enter the Irish market. It is the largest transaction to take place in Ireland.

SBC Communications of the US and Telekom Malaysia have formed a consortium to buy a 30% stake in state-owned Telkom South Africa. The deal will cost the consortium US$1.26 billion, and will be the biggest direct foreign investment in South Africa.

Tony Williams, who has been Clifford Chance's Moscow head for the last two years, will shortly relocate to London to begin the transition to managing partner. Williams beat off the challenge of London partner Peter Charlton in the second ballot of the whole partnership and has been given an extended mandate of five years compared to the three year terms served by Geoffrey Howe. "It was decided to change it to five years as it was felt that five years for an initial term was more appropriate for what is now a quite complex job," comments Williams.

The Euro NM network of markets, offering a less demanding listing regime for young high-risk companies, has been extended to the Netherlands. By Pieter Riemer of Trenité Van Doorne, London

A new raft of financial services reforms opens the way for more competition from abroad, among other significant reforms. By Paul Belanger of Blake, Cassels & Graydon, Toronto

Avoiding censure from the European Commission, France has dropped its restrictive practices on Eurofranc management and listings. By Gilles Endréo of Linklaters & Paines, Paris