Legal briefings from the world's leading law firms

As previously announced in its Company Law and Corporate Governance Action Plan, the EC has published a draft directive to amend EU accounts legislation to require large companies and groups to include additional disclosures of social, environmental and diversity information in their annual reports.

Mediation is recognised throughout the commercial world, but there remain differences in how it operates in different jurisdictions and in how far the legislature or court system will go to compel parties to mediate. This comparative review considers how mediation works across 21 jurisdictions.

In this briefing Linklaters discusses the potential impact of the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Bill on contracts in the employment context, the key features of the Bill in its current form, and useful steps that employers can take in preparation for the Bill's enactment.

The Personal Data (Privacy) (Amendment) Ordinance 2012 introduced some important changes to personal data laws in Hong Kong last year. Linklaters summarises the practical requirements imposed by new direct marketing provisions when considered in conjunction with recently published guidelines.

2012 was a busy year, with a number of important legal and regulatory developments that affect businesses globally. 2013 is likely to see significant changes as proposals launched in 2012 take more solid form. Linklaters' online guides offer an international perspective on both areas.

China is increasingly affecting the global terms of trade as it promotes domestic consumption, internationalises the use of its currency, targets foreign investment into China and significantly escalates outbound Chinese M&A. This report looks in detail at these growth strategies and their impact.

The recent publication of the Liikanen Report represented the main outstanding piece in the global jigsaw of proposals as to structural reform of banks and other financial institutions. Linklaters provides a high-level comparison table of these proposals in the EU, UK and US.

A recent Singapore Court of Appeal decision sounds a warning to companies operating incentives or bonus deferrals with non-competes to take care with the way these arrangements are structured and drafted. Linklaters looks in detail at the case's implications and provides a range of drafting tips.

On 12 July 2012, the Legislative Council in Hong Kong passed the new Companies Ordinance. As one of the largest pieces of legislation in Hong Kong, this is a significant milestone for the development of company law in the region. Linklaters detail the essential points all businesses should know.

More than $550bn of European leveraged buy-out loans are due to mature between now and 2016. This report from Linklaters' banking team provides in-depth analysis on measuring the wall of debt; how refinancing faces harsh headwinds; and the options and opportunities presented to businesses.