The decree n°2012-691 dated 7 May 2012 amends the list of foreign investments subject to prior authorization excluding the transactions regarding (i) the indirect purchase of a branch of activity, and (ii) the crossing of the threshold over 33,33% of indirect shareholding of companies whose headquarters are located in France. This softening does not apply to purchases of branches of activity in sensitive sectors (national defence, in particular). The decree also excludes casinos of the sectors subject to the prior authorization.
This decree has entered into force on 9 May 2012.
