CCPC opens consultation on Merger Guidelines

October 1, 2024

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has opened a public consultation on the proposed adoption of revised CCPC Guidelines for Merger Analysis. It is now inviting views and comments from interested parties.

The current CCPC Guidelines for Merger Analysis were adopted by the CCPC in October 2014. The Merger Guidelines set out the CCPC’s analytical framework and approach to conducting merger analysis. They cover each of the areas of analysis the CCPC may undertake in order to establish whether or not a merger will lead to a substantial lessening of competition in any market for goods or services in the State.

Úna Butler, Member of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission said:

“Our current Merger Guidelines are ten years old and we have learned lessons and developed our practice over that time. Also, international practice for merger analysis has seen significant change to take account of new markets and developments. A review of the Guidelines is timely and necessary.”

The consultation will cover areas such as the substantial lessening of competition test, market definition and assessment of competitive effects of a merger. The full proposed scope of the consultation, along with consultation questions and directions on how to make a submission, are outlined in the Call for Input document.

The consultation will run from Tuesday 1 October 2024 until COB Tuesday 12 November 2024.

Submissions should be made via email to consultations@ccpc.ie.

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