Notify ACCC of acquisitions meeting mandatory merger thresholds

From 1 January 2026, mandatory merger notification regime kicks in.

criticalupcomingevent driven

Who must comply

Acquirers of businesses or shares meeting threshold.

What triggers it

Proposed acquisition meeting mandatory threshold (TBD final monetary).

When due

Before acquisition; ACCC clearance required.

Evidence required

Notification + analysis + market evidence; ACCC clearance.

Max penalty

Civil penalties to the maximum CCA regime; acquisition unwinding

Effective from

1 January 2026

Summary

Treasury Laws Amendment (Mergers and Acquisitions Reform) Act 2024 reforms merger control. From 1 January 2026, mandatory pre-notification + ACCC approval required for acquisitions meeting prescribed monetary + concentration thresholds. Failure to notify is itself a contravention.

Enforced by

Source legislation

Topics

competitionmerger

Source: https://accc.gov.au/about-us/policies-and-publications/merger-reform. Rules Mate is not a law firm. Always verify against the live regulator source before acting.