Elizabeth Avery

New merger regime: first half-year insights

Proposed changes to Australia's merger regime will modify the legal consequences of failing to notify, clarify the 'control' exemption and introduce a mechanism to extend ACCC approvals that have become 'stale'. We examine what these change…

The new mandatory merger review regime commenced on 1 January 2026. We share early trends from the regime’s first quarter, including waiver use, pre-notification timing and the ACCC’s approach to information requirements, remedies and condi…

On 1 July 2026, the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Unfair Trading Practices) Bill 2026 was passed and will apply from 1 July 2027, bringing with it a general prohibition on unfair trading practices towards consumers, stronger disclosur…

We explain which conduct by body corporates is captured by the new $100 million maximum penalty and what it means for your business. Visit Gilbert + Tobin for more.

Australia’s new merger reforms have commenced and mark the most significant overhaul of Australia’s merger control framework in decades.

Australia’s new merger regime came into effect on 1 January 2026, introducing a mandatory notification process with serious consequences for a breach. This article sets out key takeaways for private equity investors as you plan for deals un…

From 1 January 2026, Australia’s new mandatory merger notification regime took effect, representing the biggest change to merger regulation in decades. The reforms require parties to notify the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission…

Australia’s new merger regime came into effect from 1 January 2026 which introduces a mandatory and suspensory regime. The regime introduces special obligations applying to major supermarkets which are discussed in this article.

Welcome to our annual Competition and Consumer Insights report. Each year, we outline the key developments in Australian competition law and what they might mean for you in the next 12 months.

The Government has published an amended legislative instrument which makes a number of significant changes to Australia’s new mandatory merger notification regime ahead of its commencement on 1 January 2026.

Following consultation and much anticipation, Treasury has published the final version of the notification waiver form. The ACCC also just released detailed guidance, including when the notification waiver mechanism may be suitable and how …

Treasury has published an Exposure Draft on the Notification Waiver mechanism for the new merger regime. This is the public's first look at the proposed requirements in detail and an opportunity to provide feedback to Treasury before the fo…

The ACCC’s new merger regime captures its first filings, with two lease agreements on the Acquisitions Register highlighting its broadened scope. Visit Gilbert + Tobin for more.

On 12 August 2025, the Federal Court of Australia found Apple and Google engaged in a misuse of market power in breach of s 46 of the Competition and Consumer Act (CCA) by restricting the use of alternative app distribution methods and in-a…

Continuing its far-reaching competition law reform and productivity agenda, the Australian Government is poised to introduce sweeping reforms to ban non-compete clauses by overriding the common law with new statutory bans, and prohibit agre…

Australia is on the cusp of a significant transformation of its merger control regime, with sweeping reforms set to impact all sectors. Charities and not-for-profits are not exempt. The data indicates that mergers and acquisitions are incre…

Australia’s new merger regime is here: filing fees, thresholds and key definitions under the 2025 Determination ahead of mandatory notification from 1 Jan 2026.

The High Court clarifies ‘understanding’ under Australian competition law — confirming communication and commitment are essential to establish liability.

The ACCC’s draft merger assessment guidelines signal a sharper focus on market power, potential competition, serial acquisitions and economic evidence.

The ACCC has outlined transitional merger review rules ahead of Australia’s new mandatory regime, guiding dealmakers through key timelines to 2026.

G+T’s take on the major trends and data from 2024 and outlook for 2025.

ACCC’s latest DPSI report finds Google’s dominance persists, with AI yet to shift search competition, signalling major regulatory change ahead. Read more at Gilbert + Tobin.

Australia’s merger laws are changing. Explore the new mandatory notification regime, ACCC powers and what the merger reform means for M&A strategy. Find out more at Gilbert + Tobin.

The Senate Committee backs Australia’s merger reform Bill, paving the way for a mandatory ACCC approval regime and consultation on thresholds and processes.

On 31 October 2024, we hosted our inaugural Financial Services Forum for clients, showcasing insightful presentations and discussions on current and emerging regulatory issues in financial services.

The Atlantic Council has produced a report from a diverse group of experts convened to develop an action-oriented agenda for future online spaces. With experts on trust and safety, advertising, gaming, civil rights, information security, co…

Australia's new merger laws are set to significantly change the competitive landscape. Learn about the key changes, including notification thresholds, review processes, and transitional arrangements.

The merger reforms in Australia are significant, with expected and surprising changes like broader SLC concepts under the CCA. Here’s a deeper dive into their practical impact.

ACCC publishes issues paper for final DPSI report. Learn about key topics and potential recommendations for digital platform regulation. Read now.

Australia’s draft merger laws introduce mandatory notification, new control tests and tighter timelines, reshaping deal strategy. Read more at Gilbert + Tobin.

Explore Gilbert & Tobin's analysis of Australia's merger control reforms. Mandatory regime, decision makers, transparency, and timelines unveiled.

Welcome to the second edition of the Rap Sheet, our quarterly G+T update targeted at in-house legal and compliance teams covering ‘must know’ recent developments in competition litigation and enforcement.

Last week, the ACCC confirmed its renewed focus on consumer guarantees and protecting consumers in ecommerce with the announcement of its 2024-25 enforcement and compliance priorities.

On Thursday 7 March 2024, the Australian Competition and Consumer (ACCC) Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb announced the ACCC’s 2024-25 compliance and enforcement priorities in her second annual address to the Committee for Economic Developmen…

The first full year of Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb’s leadership of the ACCC has seen a refinement in emphasis on legal issues and a renewed focus on competition and consumer issues that have previously been explored by the ACCC. The ACCC…

On 20 February 2024, the Australian Competition Tribunal set aside the determination by the ACCC dated 4 August 2023 in which it denied an application for merger authorisation of Australia and New Zealand Banking Group's proposal to acquire…

Welcome. This is the first of a new, quarterly update targeted at in-house legal and compliance teams and covering ‘must know’ recent developments in competition litigation and enforcement.

What’s happened?

Online retailers are using increasingly sophisticated technology to adapt their prices in response to changes in competitors’ prices and consumer demand in real time. One of these technologies is pricing algorithms which allow for mor…

The ACCC’s recommended reforms have several significant implications for merging parties. ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb affirmed her support for significant reforms to Australia’s current merger control regime under the Competit…

Our Competition and Regulation team have authored the Australian chapter of the Chambers and Partners Merger Control 2023: A Chambers Global Practice Guide.

On 12 April 2023, the ACCC affirmed its support for significant reforms to Australia’s merger control regime.

Competition regulators globally have been debating how competition law can avoid being a roadblock to competitor collaborations necessary to achieve environmental goals. In Australia, the ACCC can take into account public benefits, includin…

On 8 March 2023, the ACCC released its 7th Issues Paper in the Digital Platform Services Inquiry.

Gina Cass-Gottlieb gave her inaugural address as Chair of the ACCC to deliver the ACCC's 2023-24 compliance and enforcement priorities.

On 14 February, Gilbert + Tobin hosted a panel discussion with ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb, head of Gilbert + Tobin’s Competition + Regulation practice Elizabeth Avery, Chair of the Consumers’ Federation of Australia Gerard Br…

We identify the key considerations and provide up-to-date, practical insights into conducting corporate investigations in Australia.

We will shortly be releasing our more detailed analysis and insights on the ACCC’s 214-page DPSI 5 report. In the meantime, here’s a summary of ACCC’s recommendations and how it proposes these reforms be implemented