Australian CPD Series 2025: Mandatory ACCC Clearance for Acquisitions: How This Seismic Change Will Affect Your Business and Other Key Upcoming Changes to Competition and Consumer Laws

The fourth session of our Australian CPD Series 2025 focused on: 

• The introduction of Mandatory Merger Clearance: 
  • The low monetary thresholds meaning that large numbers of acquisitions will require clearance;
  • The broad definition of 'acquisition' meaning the focus is much broader than mergers and acquisitions;
  • What is involved: the applications, the process and timelines (and whether you will qualify for a waiver);
  • What this means for you in planning acquisitions/deals and timelines and proactivity; and
  • What it means for you if you are a 'serial acquirer'/your business model involves ongoing acquisition – in the face of the proposed three-year look-back provision.
• Updates on other upcoming key changes: 
  • Potential penalties for breaches of Consumer Guarantees and Manufacturers refusing to indemnify retailers for breaches; and
  • The likely introduction of a prohibition of Unfair Practices.