The Assistant Minister for Competition has announced that the Government will refine the initial merger notification requirements ahead of the new mandatory merger control regime commencing on 1 January 2026. Background.
The changes aim to reduce regulatory burden for low-risk transactions by including new and wider exemptions from mandatory notification for low-risk business activities in areas such as residential property development, retail trade and financial markets.
Key changes include:
- Exempting leases and other acquisitions of interests in land in the ordinary course of business, unless subject to targeted notification requirements;
- Simplifying the approach to monetary thresholds for asset acquisitions;
- Streamlining notification obligations around serial acquisitions;
- Clarifying and expanding existing exemptions applicable to financial market activities.
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Author: David Jacobson
Principal, Bright Corporate Law
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About David Jacobson
The information contained in this article is not legal advice. It is not to be relied upon as a full statement of the law. You should seek professional advice for your specific needs and circumstances before acting or relying on any of the content.
