International Merger Control: Filing Requirements and Procedure

Summary

This practice note outlines various procedural aspects of international merger control regimes—that is the antitrust/competition laws governing mergers, acquisitions, and other transactions—including filing thresholds, investigation process, and burdens imposed on parties. While merger control laws can vary quite a bit in different jurisdictions, this note focuses on certain trends and commonalities, while noting prominent or common variations and exceptions. The practice note includes a description of general international merger control concepts and terminology, the standstill obligation, the types of transactions that typically require filings, relevant thresholds, investigation proceedings and timelines, and the main steps involved in preparing a filing.