German lawyers applauded the decision by the ministry of finance to enforce new takeover rules next year, saying it provided greater clarity for corporates and their advisers in a country likely to see a surge in mergers and acquisitions activity.

The rules, due to be implemented in January, are the result of a review by the German ministry of finance. When the first discussion draft came out last June there were so many queries from advisers and corporates that the draft was delayed so that it could be amended. The ministry also said that it would wait to see what form European Union takeover rules would take.