Press Release: Mergers: Merger Regulation contributes to more efficient merger control in EU

The EU Merger Regulation (Regulation 139/2004) has contributed to more efficient merger control within the EU since it came into force on 1st May 2004, according to a report adopted by the Commission on 18 June, 2009. Turnover thresholds have in most cases been effective in distinguishing cases of EU relevance from those with a primarily national focus. Also, the improved system of case re-allocation between the Commission and the National Competition Authorities introduced in 2004 allowed business to benefit from the Commission's 'one-stop-shop' assessment and to have their cases reviewed by the more appropriate authority. The report nevertheless identified certain areas where further reflection may be useful.