Merger process guidelines

Overview

The ACCC is seeking feedback on the draft merger process guidelines and related quick guide for business in preparation for the new mandatory merger control regime, which commences on 1 January 2026. Businesses may also choose to voluntarily notify an acquisition to the ACCC from 1 July 2025.

The merger process guidelines and quick guide have been developed to assist businesses, advisers and other stakeholders understand how to engage with Australia’s merger control regime. It outlines the ACCC’s usual processes when assessing acquisitions under the new merger control regime and the ACCC’s expectations for how relevant stakeholders can engage in those processes.

The merger process quick guide for business provides a snapshot of key things to know about the new regime and explains key steps in the process.

The guidelines and quick guide will be updated following the consultation process and released ahead of voluntary notifications commencing on 1 July 2025. Further updates are expected over time – for example to include details that will be contained in the legislative instruments once these are finalised by Treasury and also to incorporate changes considered necessary once the regime has been in operation for a period.

We invite interested parties to provide feedback via submissions on the draft guidelines and quick guide by making a written submission by 28 April 2025.

You can download the draft guidelines and quick guide and upload a submission using the links provided below.

You can also submit your feedback to the review team directly at MergerReformInfo@accc.gov.au.

The ACCC will consider the submissions received and, informed by the issues raised in submissions, anticipates arranging meetings with a range of stakeholders.

Why your views matter

This is your opportunity to provide important feedback on the draft merger process guidelines and the quick guide, which we will take into account in subsequent drafts.

Downloads

• Draft merger process guidelines
• Merger process quick guide for business

How your submission will be used

The general policy of the ACCC on the collection, use and disclosure of information is set out in the ACCC/AER Information Policy (June 2014).

Submissions will not be published on the ACCC website but stakeholders should be aware that submissions may be shared with Treasury. We also may refer to the issues raised in your submission in public but in a way that does not identify you or your organisation. We will not otherwise disclose submissions unless authorised or required by law.>

The ACCC will handle personal information collected in this consultation in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles and our Privacy Policy. Information about how to access and/or correct your personal information, and how to lodge a complaint in relation to the handling of your personal information, is set out in our Privacy Policy on our website.