Antitrust Approval In Egypt: Thresholds, Timelines, Penalties

Antitrust approval in Egypt is mandatory before closing. Since 1 June 2024, any transaction creating a change of control or material influence, and crossing the statutory turnover thresholds, requires clearance from the Egyptian Competition Authority. Parliament approved sweeping amendments in April 2026 that are expected to raise those thresholds substantially once published in the Official Gazette.

Who grants antitrust approval in Egypt

Two regulators matter. The Egyptian Competition Authority reviews most transactions, while the Financial Regulatory Authority takes the lead where the target carries out non-banking financial activity. Approval must precede closing, meaning completion of the transaction. Neither body offers a retrospective blessing for a deal that has already been completed.