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ARTICLE · 08 AUGUST 2025

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Australia Is Transitioning To A New Merger Control Regime

A&O Shearman
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Transition to Australia's new merger control regime began on July 1, 2025, and merger parties are now able to notify voluntarily under the new regime. Mandatory approval of transactions that meet notification...

AustraliaAntitrust/Competition Law
Peter McDonald
Peter McDonald
Lisa Emanuel
Lisa Emanuel
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Transition to Australia's new merger control regime began on July 1, 2025, and merger parties are now able to notify voluntarily under the new regime. Mandatory approval of transactions that meet notification thresholds will be required from January 1, 2026.

Deal makers involved in transactions that meet the thresholds and may not complete by year end should consider engaging with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) now to manage risk and ensure timely completion.

Key observations

  • The ACCC will review a lot more deals: The notification thresholds are low. The new regime will result in many more transactions being notified, particularly for parties with a material presence in Australia.

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