The New Mandatory Mergers Regime - Implications for Businesses and Boards

When does your deal need ACCC approval and what are the implications for your business? 

This session will explain the new mandatory merger and acquisitions regime, when your transaction needs approval and what boards need to know about the time, costs and processes involved. 

From 1 January 2026, there will be a new mandatory mergers and acquisitions regime in Australia where every acquisition that meets certain thresholds will be required to be assessed by the ACCC.

This is a significant change from the current voluntary regime and will mean in practice that a far greater number of acquisitions are subject to ACCC scrutiny than was previously the case.

This session will explain:

• The new regime and its key differences from the voluntary regime the reasons for the change New ACCC powers and processes the new regime·      
• Notification thresholds, exceptions and waivers
• The change in the competition test, fees and forms
• Implications for your organisation– time, costs, process, contracts and disclosure
  
• Board strategy considerations
  

If your business proposes to engage in M&A activity in 2026, this session is essential in understanding this very significant change to the regulatory landscape.