

Public and Mixed Entities/Structures
In current economic times, where public bodies – both national and local – are playing an increasingly key role in the market (especially in the utilities and services sectors),we have seen an increase in the use of state-owned limited liability companies
Indeed, by using a corporate entity – rather than relying on traditional statutory bodies – public authorities are able to speed up the relevant administrative process and to achieve their market goals, while at the same time respecting the related public interest needs.
In addition, as a result of privatisations started in several countries, the public-private mixed company has become one of the main forms of public-private partnership (PPP). This is particularly the case in the following market sectors: public infrastructure, assets and services (mainly water, gas, electricity, transportation, waste management as well as zoning development).
With this form of structure, the private partner not only provides the financing but also the technical capability required to ensure that a project reaches a successful conclusion.
In this respect, European laws and national implementing provisions govern the set up and operation of mixed companies, operating public assets and providing public services, to ensure that fair competition and transparency principles are complied with.
The Allen & Overy Public Law group has a proven record of providing high-level assistance on projects involving both these forms of public and mixed companies. We advise both public bodies and private companies on the set-up phase, operation phase and the contractual relationship between the public and private parties, covering all issues including employment issues and public accountability. We can also assist on all the phases regarding the tender process to select the private partner and as we are a full-service law firm, can advise the client on all the legal issues involved in the matter.
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News and insights

Publications: 29 September 2023
On 21 September 2023, the German Parliament passed the heavily discussed German Federal Act on the Increase of Energy Efficiency (Energieeffizienzgesetz – EnEfG) that aims at significantly increasing…

News: 13 September 2023
Allen & Overy has advised HGV – Hamburger Gesellschaft für Vermögens- und Beteiligungsmanagement mbH (HGV) of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg on entering into a long-term strategic partnership…

Publications: 21 July 2023
New developments in the FDI regime in Spain
On 5 July 2023, Royal Decree 571/2023 on foreign investments (RD 571/2023), previously approved by the meeting of the Council of Ministers on 4 July 2023, was published in the Official State Gazette.…

Publications: 19 June 2023
The tender principles for the development of the Belgian offshore Princess Elisabeth Zone
The Belgian subsidy regime in support of offshore wind developments is undergoing some important changes.