News

Competition Commission Consults On Proposed Merger Regime 
Posted on Friday, October 20, 2006 - 06:00 PM

The Competition Commission of Singapore (CCS) is seeking feedback on the proposed merger regime to be implemented under the Competition Act (Act), which will come into effect on 1 July 2007. The proposed merger regime takes into account international best practices from established competition regimes around the world. Some of the proposed changes will require amendment of the Act.

Details of the proposed merger regime are provided in the following documents (found at www.ccs.gov.sg):

a) The Consultation Document outlines the key features of the proposed merger regime, and explains the policy considerations behind the proposals;

b) The Draft CCS Guideline on the Substantive Assessment of Mergers outlines the manner in which the CCS will interpret and give effect to the provisions of the Act when assessing mergers. It covers the analytical framework for assessing the competitive effects of mergers, and the principles that the CCS will use in considering commitments and remedies;

c) The Draft CCS Guideline on the Merger Procedures sets out the proposed procedures for notification and investigation under the merger regime; and

d) The Draft Amendment Bill sets out the proposed amendments to the Act.

Public Feedback

2. These consultation documents can be downloaded from the CCS website at www.ccs.gov.sg under the section "Public Consultation" (which directs users to subsection "New Consultations"), or the Government Online Consultation Portal at www.reach.gov.sg. The closing date for submission is noon, 10 November 20062.

3. As part of the public consultation exercise, the CCS will conduct two briefing and dialogue sessions on 27 October 2006 and 30 October 2006 for industry stakeholders. Parties interested in attending either session can register or obtain more information on the CCS website at www.ccs.gov.sg.