The Takeover Panel and The Blue Book

• Panel structure and functions
• Panel powers
• When does the Takeover Code apply?
• Interaction with other key regulations

The Rules and General Principles

• The six General Principles of the Code
• The 38 detailed rules

Making an Offer

• Pre-announcement requirements
• Secrecy
• Requirements for announcements
• Advisors' role

Offer Documentation

• Offer documents
• Defence documents
• Profit forecasts
• Earnings enhancement statements

Dealing in Shares

• 'Acting in concert'
• Dealing in the offer period

Voluntary and Mandatory Offers

• The Code definition of 'control'
• When is a mandatory offer required?
• Exemptions from the requirement for a mandatory offer
• Differences between mandatory and voluntary offers

Conducting the Offer

• Pricing
• Structuring the offer
• Disclosing dealings
• Conduct during the offer
• Offer timetable
• Offer conditions

Code Update

• Recent developments in takeover regulation