LI Network
Published on: 05 September 2023 at 17:12 IST
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has taken a significant step in strengthening India’s merger control regime by publishing the draft Combinations Regulations. The proposed regulations introduce a deal value threshold, marking a major development in the country’s antitrust landscape.
The CCI has made the draft copy of the Combinations Regulations available for public scrutiny and feedback, with stakeholders encouraged to submit their comments until September 25, 2023.
This move aims to gather input from industry experts, businesses, and the public before finalizing the regulations.
Key Highlights of the Proposed Combinations Regulations:
- Introduction of Deal Value Threshold: One of the central aspects of these draft regulations is the introduction of a deal value threshold. This threshold will consider both the value of assets and the turnover of the merging entities. The specific criteria and thresholds are outlined in the draft regulations.
- Comprehensive Assessment: The CCI will conduct a comprehensive assessment of combinations that meet the prescribed thresholds. This assessment will help determine the potential impact of the merger on competition within India’s markets.
- Expanded Regulatory Oversight: The draft regulations empower the CCI to scrutinize a broader range of mergers, acquisitions, and other combinations. This extends the CCI’s jurisdiction to a wider scope of transactions.
- Transparency and Public Participation: By inviting comments from stakeholders, the CCI is emphasizing transparency and seeking to ensure that the proposed regulations consider a variety of perspectives and potential impacts.
- Timely Implementation: The CCI has set an ambitious timeline for implementing these regulations.
Once the consultation period concludes on September 25, 2023, the CCI will review the feedback and work towards finalizing the regulations.
Stakeholder Engagement and Comment Submission:
Interested parties, including businesses, legal experts, and the general public, are encouraged to review the draft Combinations Regulations and provide their feedback to the CCI.
Comments and suggestions can be submitted until September 25, 2023, using the prescribed channels detailed in the draft.
The introduction of the deal value threshold in Indian merger control regulations represents a significant step towards ensuring fair competition and preventing anti-competitive practices in the market.
Draft Copy attached:
