Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Key definition

Joint venture definition

What does Joint venture mean? In legal practice, a joint venture is a collaborative arrangement in which two or more parties pool assets, finance, IP or know‑how to carry on a specific project or an ongoing business, sharing control, risks, profits and losses (including equity and revenue where an entity is formed). It is a descriptive term rather than one defined by statute across England & Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland, though used in competition, tax and accounting contexts. Structures commonly include: (i) an incorporated joint venture (usually a private company limited by shares) with rights documented in a shareholders’ agreement and...

Cross-border joint ventures: termination, default, deadlock and dispute resolution (arbitration and jurisdiction clauses), plus exit mechanisms including winding up, transfers and dilutions

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Practice notes

Gratitude is extended to fellow contributors from Squire Patton Boggs’ offices across its worldwide network.

Cross-border JVs

Forming cross-border Joint ventures (JVs) defies a universal template; that is, when one or more JV parties is located outside the UK and the vehicle is intended to be established overseas, bespoke structuring is essential. Ultimately, the Agreement must capture the parties’ commercial bargain. That said, the legal themes flagged in this note and in the Practice Notes—Cross-border joint ventures—initial considerations; Cross-border joint ventures—management and control; and Cross-border joint ventures—taxation and funding issues—can steer the selection of jurisdiction for the JV vehicle and shape the deal, so they should be weighed at the outset to maximise the JV’s prospects. Even where a joint venture agreement (JVA) is governed by a familiar system, for example English law, setting up a cross-border JV can surface unforeseen and unfamiliar matters. The topics are addressed only at a high level, and definitive local legal advice should always be obtained when entering into, or handling, matters in an unfamiliar jurisdiction...

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Matthew Powell

Squire Patton Boggs

Matthew Powell is an experienced M&A lawyer with an extensive background in all forms of corporate advisory work, particularly focusing on the energy sector and cross-border work. His experience includes joint ventures, farm-in arrangements, public and private acquisitions and equity capital raisings. Matthew is a member of the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators, and is recommended in the 2013 edition of Legal 500 for his work in oil and gas transactions.Specialises in Mergers and Acquisitions, Joint Ventures, Capital Markets, Corporate Governances, Emerging Markets, Energy...

Jayson Marks

Squire Patton Boggs

Jayson Marks is a Corporate partner, specialising in public and private M&A, equity investments and joint ventures, IPOs, secondary fundraisings and other equity capital markets transactions on AIM and the main market. Jayson has over 20 years of experience advising on a broad range of corporate transactions and across various jurisdictions and industries, including natural resources, financial services, commodities and shipping. ‘Jayson Marks is an excellent lawyer, both technically and commercially, and additionally has great knowledge of our sector. He understands our business, provides excellent, commercial advice, as well as being very responsive and easy to deal with.’ Legal 500 2025 ‘Jayson Marks is extremely knowledgeable, responsive, and commercial. He is easy to work with and knows which areas of a transaction involve risk and focus. Would always recommend him.’ Legal 500 2025...

Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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