FDI masterclass: crossing borders, clearing hurdles

As foreign direct investment regimes tighten across the EU, UK, and US, cross-border transactions face increased scrutiny, and greater uncertainty. With mandatory screening expanding, sensitive sectors under heightened focus, and geopolitical considerations shaping enforcement, dealmakers must navigate a fast-evolving and increasingly complex regulatory landscape.

This one-hour masterclass will explore the latest FDI developments heading into 2026-2027 and offer practical guidance on managing risk, compliance, and deal strategy. Mayer Brown partners will discuss key policy and enforcement trends and share insights to help investors and advisors anticipate issues and keep transactions on track.

Speakers:

Jean-Maxime Blutel

Partner, Antitrust & Competition, Paris, Mayer Brown

Jean-Maxime advises clients across all industries with the upstream assessment of their merger projects and with any necessary filing to the relevant merger control and foreign investment authorities. He regularly handles technically challenging cases before the European and the French authorities and has developed significant experience in coordinating and managing multi-jurisdictional merger control and foreign direct investment (“FDI”) filings with Mayer Brown’s global network of offices and partner firms, and assists clients with all reporting and filing requirements under the EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation ("FSR"). Companies also turn to him for advice on broad cartel, resale price maintenance and dominance investigations, and for representation in related litigations against inspections and competition authorities’ decisions.

Timothy J. Keeler

Partner and Co-leader of International Trade, Washington DC, Mayer Brown

Tim Keeler joined Mayer Brown after a varied career in the US Government, where he served at the Office of the US Trade Representative, the US Treasury Department (which chairs CFIUS), and the US Senate Finance Committee. He advises clients on all aspects of CFIUS matters, including assessing national security risks in prospective transactions, determining whether transactions are subject to mandatory CFIUS filings, structuring deals to mitigate national security concerns while achieving business objectives, and managing all phases of the CFIUS regulatory clearance process. In recognition of his government service, Tim was awarded the USTR Distinguished Service Award, the Treasury Distinguished Service Award, and the Treasury Secretary’s Honor Award twice.

Daniel Vowden

Partner, Head of UK Antitrust & Competition, London, Mayer Brown

International clients turn to Daniel Vowden for advice on the full spectrum of EU and UK competition law matters.  He has acted on complex and challenging UK merger control cases and many high-profile, cross-border deals requiring regulatory approval in Brussels and worldwide.  In these contexts, he has advised clients on both structural and behavioral remedies required to obtain consents.  Daniel also regularly assists clients in securing FDI approvals in Europe, including under the UK National Security and Investment Act regime.  Daniel's transactional expertise is balanced with in-depth experience of behavioural and advisory matters, including EU and UK cartel investigations, particularly in the pharmaceuticals, financial services, mining, TMT and retail sectors.