The UK Bribery Act, which comes into force July 1, 2011, is a comprehensive piece of legislation modeled after, but going beyond, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. The Bribery Act is broad in scope and will have implications not just for UK businesses, but for any foreign organizations having business interests in that country. The British government has recently released Guidance on the Act, intended to help organizations understand how it will work, and how to deal with the risks of bribery. But while the Guidance provides insights into how the Act might be interpreted, it does not give assurances. And while it suggests procedures that might be adequate, it does not set down rules.

When the Act comes into force, its provisions will impact not only companies and partnerships formed or incorporated in the UK, but all foreign organizations that carry out business in the UK. This audio conference presentation provides an overview of the provisions of the Act, and how they will impact US companies.

This audio conference covers:

• Why any business with a footprint in the U.K. should be concerned with the Bribery Act
• Provisions which could hold foreign companies liable for the actions of third parties
• How it impacts relationships with contracting parties/vendors, who may well ask for details of your compliance program and refuse to deal with you unless Bribery Act compliant
• How criminal prosecution could lead to civil lawsuits
• Why non-compliance could mean a significant decline in the value and marketability of your business and brand

About the speakers:

Adam Greaves, Partner, McGuireWoods has been practicing for 25 years in the London and international legal market. He focuses on asset tracking and recovery cases, together with anticorruption work, including compliance, advisory, audit and investigation. He has long enjoyed unraveling the complex schemes fraudsters employ to steal others’ assets, and chasing down those assets around the world.

William Boddy is a member of the McGuireWoods Business and Securities Litigation Department where he advises on a variety of general commercial, litigation and compliance matters. He advises on regulatory issues, with a particular focus on compliance with UK and European Union regulations. The Bribery Act 2010 offers new challenges to all organizations, and William has helped a number of clients – notably in the pharmaceutical and medical devices industry – prepare to meet the Act’s rigorous anticorruption compliance requirements.

Who should attend?

• Legal Counsel
• Human Resources Managers
• Directors
• Chief Executive Officers
• Compliance Managers
• Risk Managers
• Chief Financial Officers