The future of mergers in Australia
Moving to a mandatory and suspensory administrative merger control regime
Australia's merger regime has had a significant overhaul, with reforms coming into effect for deals closing or completing on or after 1 January 2026. These changes introduced a single mandatory and suspensory administrative process, replacing the former framework.
The Treasury Laws Amendment (Mergers and Acquisitions Reform) Bill 2024 passed both Houses of Parliament on 28 November 2024, and the Competition and Consumer (Notification of Acquisitions) Determination 2025 was registered on 30 June 2025, which was subsequently updated on 18 December 2026.
You can download our quick guide to the new regime here.
Timeline
Since the announcement of a two-year Competition Review in August 2023, there have been several key developments in Australia’s merger reforms. This timeline outlines the progress made so far and the new regulatory landscape.
What does this mean for your business?
The regime may still apply to deals signed before 1 January 2026 if they are implemented from that date. Accordingly, businesses should ensure before completing any deal that they have complied with the new regime.
Allens' competition team has considerable experience advising clients on complying with merger control requirements, drawing on local and global experience. Contact us to discuss how you can ensure your business keeps ahead of the changing regulatory landscape.
