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Category Archives: International Investments

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U.S. Exports Get Huge Boost with Passage of Free Trade Agreements. Finally.

Posted in Business Transactions, International Investments

As reported all over the media today, the U.S. Congress cleared free-trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama, bringing an end to years of stalemate. The Agreements, the biggest trade deals since 1994,  promise to result in the export of billions of dollars of U.S. goods and boost hundreds of thousands of American jobs…. Continue Reading

Double Taxation Treaty Between Brazil and the United States Takes a Step Closer to Conclusion.

Posted in International Investments

I just read an article over at Forbes’ Bric Breaker blog, authored by Kenneth Rapoza. The article, Brazil businessmen Urge Obama to Sign Double Taxation Treaty, reports that U.S. and Brazilian executives asked President Obama today [March 19, 2011] to sign a treaty that would end double taxation of goods traded between the two countries…. Continue Reading

SEC Files International Gold Fraud Case in Miami. Beware the Golden Opportuntiy.

Posted in International Investments, International Litigation

 As an attorney based in Miami, I see a lot of international fraud cases filed in Miami.  But lately I’m seeing a lot of cases related to what can best be described as gold fraud. Of course, with the price of gold in record territory, this is not exactly a surprise. Just today, the Securities… Continue Reading

U.S. Supreme Court: Securities Fraud Law Does Not Apply To Transnational Securities Deals.

Posted in International Investments

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled yesterday that America’s main law against securities fraud does not apply to investment deals that occur outside of this country, even if they have some domestic impact or effect.   In the opinion, the Court declared that U.S. securities fraud law cannot be used in American courts to challenge a “transnational” securities… Continue Reading

How to Structure an International Distribution Agreement.

Posted in International Investments

Although I enjoy the day-today challenges of international litigation, I’m often called upon to structure international business deals. These are fun too, as I get an inside look at the business side of many different kinds of industries. Lately, I’ve seen a considerable increase in the number of distribution deals being forged. Distribution agreements are… Continue Reading

IMF Raises Growth Forecast for China and India. Global Recovery Faster Than Expected

Posted in Business Transactions, International Investments

In its latest World Economic Outlook, the IMF  indicated that the global economy will grow faster than expected– at 4.2% this year. China’s growth is forecast at 10% 2010, with India also at a rapid 8.8 %. Sub-Saharan Africa has weathered the crisis well and its recovery is expected to be stronger than in previous… Continue Reading

International Transactions: The Effect of Cultural Values on International Mergers & Acquisitions

Posted in Business Transactions, International Investments

 Foreign mergers account for the majority of worldwide M&A activity. With the global economy on the rebound, cross-border M&A activity is expected to reach record levels.  The numbers of cross-border deals currently in the works include: Indian personal care products maker Godrej Consumer Products Ltd is in talks with Argentina-based hair color products firm, Issue… Continue Reading

The BRICfast Club (Part III): China and Brazil Sign Trade and Investment Agreements at BRIC Summit

Posted in Business Transactions, International Banking, International Investments

 Oil and Steel Industries to Benefit This is the third in a series of posts dedicated to the BRIC countries. While the late John Hughes would have appreciated the titular tribute to his Breakfast Club classic, the series is meant to stimulate a robust discussion among those interested in the subject. For the uninitiated, BRIC is… Continue Reading

Top Ten International Economic Trends for 2010. It’s Good News.

Posted in International Investments, Random Thoughts and Observations

As an international business attorney, I’ve got to stay on top of global markets to provide my clients with the best possible service. But with things moving so fast these days, it can be hard to keep up.   Thanks to a highly insightful presentation authored by Byron Wien, Senior Managing Director at The Blackstone… Continue Reading

Global Corporate Tax Trends for 2010: An Overview of 183 Countries.

Posted in Business Transactions, Corporate Governance, International Investments

The World Bank Group’s Doing Business Project recently released the 2010 edition of its Paying Taxes Report. The report is unique in that it measures the ease of paying taxes across 183 economies, by assessing the time required for companies to prepare and file tax returns and pay taxes, and also the company’s total tax… Continue Reading

The BRICfast Club: A Series of Posts Dedicated to Brazil, Russia, India and China (Part II)

Posted in Business Transactions, International Investments, Random Thoughts and Observations

India Needs Massive Investment in Physical Infrastructure to Catch China Growth This is the second in a series of posts dedicated to the BRIC countries. While the late John Hughes would have appreciated the titular tribute to his Breakfast Club classic, the series is meant to stimulate a robust discussion among those interested in the… Continue Reading

Doing Business in Japan Teleconference. $768.8 Billion Reasons to Attend

Posted in Business Transactions, Dispute Resolution, Intellectual Property, International Arbitration, International Banking, International Investments

  The International Law Prof Blog has passed along details about an upcoming teleconference, “Doing Business with Japan,” sponsored by the American Bar Association Section of International Law. The conference could not come at a better time. Businessweek’s Daniel Kruger reported this week that Japan has overtaken China as the largest foreign holder of U.S…. Continue Reading

The Ultimate Hidden Fee: U.S. Based Multinational Companies Face $122 Billion Tax Burden Under Proposed Bill

Posted in Business Transactions, Corporate Governance, International Investments, Random Thoughts and Observations

And Why Relocating to Switzerland May be the Best Corporate Strategy There’s nothing more annoying than finding hidden fees buried deep inside obtuse and mangled contract language. The only thing worse than finding hidden fees is learning about these punishing provisions from someone else—after you’ve signed the agreement.  If you thought hidden fees provisions were… Continue Reading

The BRICfast Club: A Series of Posts Dedicated to Brazil, Russia, India and China (Part I)

Posted in International Investments

Hey Brazil–Take Your Time With Those BITs, I Can Get Them Somewhere Else!   Today we’re launching the first in a series of posts on the BRIC countries in a fast, quick read format. While  the late John Hughes would have appreciated the titular tribute to his Breakfast Club classic, the series is meant to… Continue Reading

2010 Index of Economic Freedom Released: United States Ranks Eighth

Posted in Corporate Governance, Dispute Resolution, International Investments

The Wall Street Journal and the Heritage Foundation released its annual 2010 Index of Economic Freedom.   Of the world’s 20 largest economies, Hong Kong ranked first while the U.S. came in at number eight.   According to the Wall Street Journal article, The U.S. is Not as Free as It Used to Be,  a number… Continue Reading

India Doubles Number of Billionaires: Will Its Proposed Business Laws Threaten Gain?

Posted in International Investments

Recession? What recession? Business in India is booming. Forbes is reporting that India’s Billionaire Club nearly doubled in the past year. According to the Forbes special report, India’s 100 Richest, the nation is now home to 52 Billionaires, up from 27 last year. According to the report: The combined fortune of India’s 100 richest is… Continue Reading

Hey Brazil: It’sTime to Ratify Those Bilateral Investment Agreements

Posted in Dispute Resolution, International Arbitration, International Banking, International Investments

Brazil is on a roll.  Yesterday’s Financial Times included a special 10-page section devoted to Brazil. One of the articles, Olympic Accolade Sets Seal on Progress, written by Jonathan Wheatly, succinctly describes the “exuberant optimism” that has gripped the country since it was awarded the 2016 Olympic Games.  And the Wall Street Journal recently reported on… Continue Reading

Microfinance Programs Surge in India

Posted in International Investments

While my posts are usually technical discussions centered on international business law, I’m going off topic today to write about a concept quickly gaining traction as a viable alternative to private banks in providing capital to impoverished entrepreneurs across the globe. On a recent trip to India, I caught a glimpse of the future as… Continue Reading

International Tender Offers: Structured Deals on the Rise

Posted in International Banking, International Investments

As Forbes reported today in the article Dainippon completes tender offer for Sepracor, Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co. of Japan agreed to buy Sepracor, based in Marlborough, Mass., for about $2.6 billion, or $23 per Sepracor share. Sepracor makes drugs for respiratory and nervous system disorders. It reported $1.29 billion in revenue in 2008, with almost… Continue Reading