European

Lyft Amplifies Global Reach with €175 Million Acquisition of FreeNow, Tapping into European Ride-Hailing Market

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Berlin, Germany — Lyft has completed the acquisition of German-based Intelligent Apps GmbH, the operator of the FreeNow taxi and ride-hailing service, in a deal valued at €175 million. This significant move marks Lyft’s entry into the European market, allowing it to tap into a ride-sharing sector that encompasses multiple countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Austria, France, Italy, Greece, Poland, and Spain. The transaction, which was facilitated by law firms Baker & McKenzie and Abreu Advogados, involved extensive legal support covering various areas including corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, and intellectual property rights. … Read more

EU Tobacco Legislation Faces Uncertain Future Amid Political Shifts in the European Parliament

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Brussels, Belgium — There has been growing concern among some European Union lawmakers over the potential reform of the bloc’s tobacco legislation, amid fears that an increasingly right-leaning European Parliament could lead to relaxed regulations favoring the tobacco industry. This apprehension stalls the hopes of those advocating for stricter tobacco control measures as the political landscape shifts rightward. The European Commission has faced calls to revise the EU’s Tobacco Products Directive and the Tobacco Taxation Directive. However, given the complex political dynamics within the European Parliament and the lobbying efforts from various member states, a … Read more

Report Unveils Declining Rule of Law Standards Across European Union

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Brussels, Belgium – A recent study has highlighted a troubling trend in the European Union, revealing a sharp decline in adherence to the rule of law across several member states. This erosion of legal norms and practices threatens the core values on which the EU was founded, including democracy, human rights, and judicial independence. The report, released by an independent legal watchdog, underscores significant concerns in countries such as Poland and Hungary, where governmental interference with the judiciary has been particularly evident. These incidents involve the imposition of governmental influence over courts and the processes … Read more

European Legal Markets Face Deepening Uncertainties Amid Geopolitical Tensions and Regulatory Changes

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Europe is facing a period of unprecedented complexity, not just due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and associated geopolitical tensions but also because of internal challenges such as U.S. tariffs, stringent EU regulations, and political shifts, especially evident with the recent elections in Germany. Additionally, this turmoil extends to the continent’s legal sector, which is grappling with its own share of uncertainties. In most sectors, leaders strive to anticipate shifts and adapt strategies accordingly to shield their organizations from potential instability. Law firm leaders, renowned for navigating through fluctuating economic and regulatory environments, are … Read more