A Discussion on Competition: An open forum on the new merger rules

On 11 December, the Competition Authority held a public discussion on its draft revised rules on notification and procedure in merger cases. The draft had previously been published for review on the supervisory authority's website, where interested parties have been given the opportunity to submit their views. The notice of the meeting can be accessed here.

The meeting was held via remote conferencing and was attended by around 28 people. This led to lively discussions about the major changes proposed in the new regulations. The meeting was useful, and the views expressed will be used in finalising the guidelines.

The new rules are based largely on applicable rules from 2008, as amended. The amendments now being made are principally of two kinds:

1. Formalities are procedural changes in the handling of merger cases aimed at increased efficiency, but the supervisory authority has previously sought consultation on this and held meeting in the 'Conversation on Competition' series of meetings, where useful discussions were held about the experience.
2. The rules are updated in light of changes to competition law which came into force on 23 July this year.