France is set to significantly raise the turnover thresholds that trigger mandatory pre-merger notification to the French Competition Authority, marking the first increase in general thresholds since 2004. The reform, adopted through the French Economic Life Simplification Bill in April 2026, amends Article L. 430-2 of the French Commercial Code and awaits final promulgation before entering into force in September or October 2026.
FranceAntitrust/Competition Law
The French Economic Life Simplification Bill (Loi de simplification de la vie économique), adopted by the French Parliament on 14–15 April 2026, will significantly raise the turnover thresholds triggering mandatory pre-merger notification to the French Competition Authority (Autorité de la concurrence, the “FCA”). The reform, which amends Article L. 430-21 of the French Commercial Code, is the first increase in the general thresholds since 2004. The Bill has been referred to the French supreme court (Conseil constitutionnel) and has not yet been promulgated. Depending on the date of publication, the new thresholds could enter into force on 1 September or 1 October 2026.
Key takeaways:
- The general thresholds will increase from €150 million to €250 million for combined worldwide turnover, and from €50 million to €80 million for individual French turnover.
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