Acquisitions of interest in RETN Limited by Laviks Limited and Astern GmbH
Published 24 July 2025
© Crown copyright 2025
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1. Following a detailed national security assessment, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has made a final order pursuant to section 26 of the National Security and Investment Act 2021 (“the Act”), which comes into force on 24 July 2025.
2. The Parties who are subject to the order are:
i. RETN Limited;
ii. Laviks Limited; and
iii. Astern GmbH.
3. On 22 April 2022, Laviks Limited and Astern GmbH separately and simultaneously acquired an interest in the qualifying entity, RETN Limited:
4. Laviks Limited acquired, indirectly, control of 100% of shares in RETN Limited.
a. This acquisition is a trigger event under section 8(2)(c) of the Act.
5. Astern GmbH acquired, indirectly, an interest in RETN Limited that enables it materially to influence the policy of the entity.
a. This acquisition is a trigger event under section 8(8) of the Act.
6. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has approved the acquisitions subject to certain conditions. The order has the effect of requiring RETN Limited to notify ISU of certain information relating to any possible contracts with public authorities.
7. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster considers that this measure mitigates risks to national security in relation to the role of RETN Limited in the UK’s telecommunications sector.
8. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster considers that the final order is necessary and proportionate to mitigate the risk to national security.