The adoption of the EU Takeover Directive in 2004 was marked by significant challenges, with negotiations spanning over a decade. This book provides comprehensive analysis, practical insights, and forward-looking policy recommendations. It discusses contentious issues such as the mandatory bid rule, acting in concert, and take-over defences. It also looks at developments such as sustainability in takeovers, multiple voting rights, or new ways to structure ownership changes. It offers a clear and engaging understanding of the TOD's historical evolution, its transposition, the current institutional design of takeover authorities, conflict of law issues, and the enforcement of takeover law across the EU. And it looks at its practical impact as well as its future developments. With contributions from leading experts, international comparisons, and case studies, it is an authoritative guide to the takeover law in Europe and beyond.