Consultation is now closed

The ACCC released a set of draft guidelines covering the ACCC’s assessment framework and process for the new merger regime. We invited you to make a submission with your feedback.

Consultation is now closed. Thank you for your feedback. We are reviewing the issues raised in submissions received. We anticipate that we'll arrange meetings with a range of stakeholders.

The guidelines will be updated before the voluntary notifications begin on 1 July 2025. 

To be alerted on the status of the guidelines, subscribe to merger reform updates.

Merger assessment guidelines

Consultation is now closed on the draft merger assessment guidelines. 

The merger assessment guidelines outline the analytical framework the ACCC will apply when assessing notified acquisitions under the new mandatory merger control regime which starts on 1 January 2026. Businesses may voluntarily notify an acquisition to the ACCC from 1 July 2025. It reflects changes resulting from the new regime as well as updates to align with current best practice for competition assessments.

The guidelines will help the community, including merger parties and their advisers, to:

  • understand how the ACCC will assess acquisitions under the new regime
  • provide greater predictability and transparency regarding its decision making.

This is the current version of the assessment guidelines.

Merger process guidelines

Consultation is now closed on the draft merger process guidelines.

The merger process guidelines will assist businesses, advisers and other stakeholders understand how to engage with Australia’s merger control regime, which starts on 1 January 2026. Businesses may voluntarily notify an acquisition to the ACCC from 1 July 2025. It outlines the ACCC’s processes when assessing acquisitions and expectations for how relevant stakeholders can engage.

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

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Submissions will not be published on the ACCC website but stakeholders should be aware that submissions may be shared with Treasury.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.

Merger enquiries

Contact the ACCC mergers team if you have an acquisition to discuss or have a question about the new regime.

For questions about a proposed acquisition, email mergers@accc.gov.au.

If you have a question about merger reform or the new merger control regime, email MergerReformInfo@accc.gov.au. We will attempt to respond directly to queries we receive where possible. We may also provide responses in the FAQ document in our Information for business and legal advisers on the merger control regime so the information is available more broadly.