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ARTICLE · 10 SEPTEMBER 2026

Irish Merger Control: Update On CCPC Activity 2026 H1

Matheson
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The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission received 44 merger notifications in the first half of 2026, marking a 13% increase from the previous year and signaling robust Irish transaction activity. This analysis examines the CCPC's review timelines, procedural trends, and the regulator's historic first use of its merger call-in power in the Uniphar/Touchstore transaction. With new financial thresholds taking effect in July 2026 and evolving enforcement patterns, understanding these developments is c

IrelandAntitrust/Competition Law
Niall Collins
Niall Collins
Kate McKenna
Kate McKenna
Calum Warren
Calum Warren
Simon Shinkwin
Simon Shinkwin
Laura O'Keeffe
Laura O'Keeffe
Hadassah Laing
Hadassah Laing
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H1 Merger Notifications

In the first half of 2026 (“H1 2026”), the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (“CCPC”) received 44 merger notifications. This roughly represents a 13% increase on the 39 merger notifications received in the first half of 2025. The increase continues the high level of merger control activity seen by the CCPC and signals an increasingly active regulator and strong Irish transaction volumes.

However, on 1 July 2026 increased financial thresholds for mandatory CCPC filings came into effect in respect of transactions that complete on or following 1 July 2026 (see our previous article here), meaning that it is likely that there may be a reduction in the amount of mergers that are notified in the second half of 2026.

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