European Commission Proposes Merger Rule Changes To Allow Broader Deal Assessment

The European Commission has proposed changes to merger rules to allow companies to present wider benefits of acquisitions during regulatory review. The move follows calls from industries seeking flexibility to build large firms able to compete with global rivals.

Under the proposal, companies will be able to highlight factors such as investment, innovation, sustainability, and supply chain resilience when seeking approval for mergers. Regulators will assess whether these factors support market outcomes alongside existing competition checks. Ursula von der Leyen said the region needs firms that can compete globally, while antitrust chief Teresa Ribera said enforcement of competition rules will continue.

The proposal also includes limited exemptions for deals involving startups and research projects, with restrictions for firms covered under the Digital Markets Act. Stakeholders can submit feedback before the rules are finalised.