Press Release: Mergers: Commission consults on proposal for simplifying procedures under the EU Merger Regulation

The European Commission launched a Consultation process on the 27 March 2013 inviting the public to comment on a proposal to simplify certain procedures for notifying mergers under the EU Merger Regulation.

The proposal aims to make EU merger control even more business-friendly by cutting red tape and streamlining procedures. The proposed changes could allow up to 70% of all notified mergers to qualify for review under the Commission's simplified procedure. This could result in savings for the merging companies concerned, cutting lawyers' fees by up to one half and reducing preparatory in-house work.

In addition, the Commission proposes to reduce the net amount of information required to notify all mergers, which will significantly lessen the administrative burden. This initiative is part of the Commission’s overall effort to make administrative procedures less burdensome for business, thereby stimulating growth and making Europe more competitive.