United Kingdom Competition and Markets Authority: how it reviews brand acquisitions

The Competition and Markets Authority reviews mergers affecting the United Kingdom. Notification is voluntary, but the CMA can investigate completed deals and impose an initial enforcement order that freezes integration. Phase 1 runs 40 working days; a reference to Phase 2 adds a 24-week inquiry that can require divestitures or prohibit the merger.

Official site: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/competition-and-markets-authority · Regime: Enterprise Act 2002 (voluntary notification, mandatory standstill once reviewed)

A primer on this jurisdiction's merger regime is in preparation.