Guidance documents for the merger control regime

Documents on this page contain further detail and guidance about the regime.

If you are new to the merger control regime, we recommend you first visit our merger and acquisition web pages.

Key guideline documents

These key documents explain the ACCC’s process and assessment framework for the merger control regime.

Merger process 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.

Merger process guidelines - interim version

Outlines the ACCC process when assessing notified acquisitions and expectations for how relevant stakeholders can engage.

Merger assessment guidelines

Outlines the analytical framework the ACCC applies when assessing notified acquisitions in the merger control regime.

Merger notification waivers - interim guidance

The guidance outlines the types of acquisitions that may be suitable for a notification waiver and how the ACCC assesses applications for a notification waiver. Over time they will be incorporated into the guidelines.

Frequently asked questions about merger reform (updated 6 March 2026) ( PDF 509.19 KB )

Provides answers to some of the questions we've been asked about the new regime. Over time this information will be incorporated into the guidelines.

Forms with associated guidance

The forms are set out in legal rules made by a Treasury Minister. See the Competition and Consumer (Notification of Acquisitions—Forms) Determination 2025 and Competition and Consumer (Notification of Acquisitions) Determination 2025.

These documents set out the questions contained in each form and, where relevant, provides guidance to help answer the questions.

There is also additional guidance on when to use the long form.

Merger enquiries

Contact the ACCC mergers team if you have an acquisition to discuss or have a question about the new regime. Where relevant, include the title of the acquisition in the subject line.

For questions about:

a proposed acquisition or notification, email mergers@accc.gov.au
a notification waiver application, email notificationwaivers@accc.gov.au
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 our FAQ document so the information is available more broadly.