Merger Clearance Reforms Hub

Merger control in Australia is going through a major overhaul, moving to a single mandatory and suspensory administrative regime. The new mandatory regime will apply to all deals closing or completing on or after 1 January 2026 (even if signed earlier). The ACCC is already transitioning to the new regime, so it's important to start factoring it into transaction timelines now.

Keep across these changes and what they mean for your business and deal pipeline on our one-stop merger reforms hub. We'll be continually updating with new insights and analysis as we transition to the new regime, so check back in to keep up with the latest developments.

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Australia's new mandatory merger controls: a discussion with ACCC chair Gina Cass Gottlieb


ACCC Chair, Gina Cass-Gottlieb joined Clayton Utz Competition Partners, Kirsten Webb, Michael Corrigan and Mihkel Wilding to discuss the regime, which will apply to all deals closing or completing on or after 1 January 2026 (and on a voluntary basis from 1 July 2025). See video highlights from the discussion below.


Engagement with the ACCC about whether a transaction is notifiable

Pre-notification engagement process and timing

Key briefings

The ACCC's new merger regime is live! Here's what you need to know
Australia's new mandatory merger controls: a discussion with ACCC chair Gina Cass Gottlieb
New merger regime "refinements" to cut red tape and boost deal certainty a welcome change

Transition period

Don't risk re-notification: ACCC encourages merger parties to notify under new mandatory merger regime from 1 July 2025
ACCC merger clearance reforms: How does the transition period affect your deal?

Notifiable transactions

The ACCC's new merger regime is live! Here's what you need to know
Consultation begins on new mandatory ACCC merger notification thresholds

Deal specific considerations

The ACCC's new mandatory merger regime and property and real estate transactions: new Treasury determination

Legal risks

Merger reform broadens the risk of gun jumping
Additional scrutiny of restraints in sale agreements under the new mandatory merger regime

ACCC review process and analytical framework

ACCC releases merger process guidance for new system
ACCC releases eagerly anticipated merger guidelines for new merger regime

 

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