Beyond Borders, Autumn 2025

14 October 2025

Welcome to the autumn edition of Beyond Borders, our quarterly overview of insights from around the legal world and news from our teams across the UK and Ireland.

In this edition we look at:

US AI regulatory framework: Aon highlights insurance risks
Early access service to launch for innovative medical devices
Ireland proposes to ban energy drink sales to children
AerCap v AIG judgment: Key insights for insurers
EU Batteries Regulation: Legal compliance guide
ECCTA 2023: Guide to mandatory identity verification for overseas companies with UK establishments

Explore our roundup of the latest news featuring recent high-profile corporate deals and a spotlight on IBA Toronto 2025.

Insights

Aon calls for national AI regulation framework

Aon has urged US lawmakers to establish a coordinated government approach to artificial intelligence regulation, in response to a 56% year on year surge in incidents.

Our lawyers urge the insurance industry to prepare for fundamental shifts in risk assessment and underwriting.

Early access service to launch for innovative medical devices

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has announced the next stage of its reforms to drive growth in the UK's life sciences sector. In this article, we provide an update on the early access service for innovative medical devices.

Ireland proposes to ban energy drink sales to children

The Irish government is currently considering the merits of the Public Health (Restriction on Sale of Stimulant Drinks to Children) Bill 2025. We review the key measures of the proposed Bill, the international approach and next steps.

Lessons for aviation insurer in AerCap Ireland Ltd v AIG Europe SA

The judgment in AerCap Ireland Ltd v AIG Europe SA represents a significant development for the insurance industry, with implications that reach beyond the aviation sector.

The decision highlights the importance of careful policy drafting and a thorough understanding of coverage triggers, causation, and loss recoverability.

Compliance obligations under the EU Batteries Regulation

Proactive investment in sustainable design, supply chain transparency, and compliance infrastructure is crucial for UK businesses to maintain their presence in the EU battery market.

ECCTA 2023: Guide to mandatory identity verification for overseas companies with UK establishments

The UK government has introduced significant changes to how companies are registered and monitored. These changes, part of the ECCTA, aim to make company information more accurate and trustworthy, whilst tackling economic crime.

Corporate Law Firm of the Year at the Insider Media Wales Dealmaker Awards 2025

We are delighted to announce that Browne Jacobson has been named Corporate Law Firm of the Year at the Insider Media Wales Dealmaker Awards in September.

This recognition, achieved just one year after establishing our Cardiff corporate team, reflects the exceptional work and dedication of Christian Farrow, Tom Saunderson, Phil Pugh, Chiara Howfield, Ffion Stuckey, and Benedetta Cocconi. We are also proud to have won Small Deal of the Year.

We are grateful to our clients for their trust and to our team for their commitment to delivering outstanding legal services in Wales.

Browne Jacobson advises global door hardware specialist UAP Group on its sale to Allegion

The firm has advised global door hardware specialist UAP Group and its shareholders on its sale to Allegion plc, a leading global security products and solutions provider.

Orrsum joins global supply chain leader

Browne Jacobson has advised the shareholders of E J Orr Limited (trading as Orrsum) on the sale of the business to global supply chain leader Li & Fung.

Browne Jacobson advises Anansi on latest funding

Anansi is an innovative UK and Portugal-based insurance technology company. We advised the company on its strategic funding round led by Guinness Ventures and Portuguese VC firm Alea Capital Partners.

US life sciences firm international expansion deal

Browne Jacobson has supported a US-headquartered precision immunology company Scipher Medicine in signing a partnership agreement with Grupo Amarey that expands its global presence.

Browne Jacobson advises Modella Capital on its acquisition of Claire’s

UK and Ireland law firm Browne Jacobson has advised Modella Capital on its acquisition of Claire’s, saving the high-street brand from administration.

Browne Jacobson advises Modella Capital on strategic acquisition of WHSmith’s high street retail division

UK and Ireland law firm Browne Jacobson has advised Modella Capital on its latest and largest strategic acquisition in UK retail.

Browne Jacobson advises SKIMS on lease of a landmark Regent Street store

UK and Ireland law firm Browne Jacobson has advised global intimates and apparel brand SKIMS on securing a 10-year lease for a flagship store at 245-247 Regent Street, London.

IBA Toronto 2025

We are delighted to announce that Browne Jacobson will be attending the International Bar Association's Annual Conference in Toronto this November, with seven representatives from across our Irish and English jurisdictions.

The IBA Annual Conference brings together legal professionals from around the globe, providing an invaluable platform for knowledge sharing and professional development. We're looking forward to engaging with peers from across the international legal community and exploring opportunities for collaboration.

As the legal landscape becomes increasingly interconnected, we recognise the importance of building strong, reciprocal relationships with law firms and legal professionals across multiple jurisdictions. As a firm with an established international reach, we have successfully built trusted relationships with firms globally.

These partnerships enable us all to better serve our clients through seamless cross-border collaboration and shared expertise. The IBA conference presents an excellent opportunity to strengthen existing relationships whilst exploring new connections that can create value for all parties and enhance our collective ability to address complex cross-jurisdictional matters.

If you're attending the conference, our team would be delighted to hear from you on IBA2025@brownej.onmicrosoft.com.