Resources

GAC Issues New Merger Guidelines. Updated Thresholds and Other Amendments

April 6, 2025

On 1 July 2024, the Saudi antitrust regulator—the General Authority for Competition (GAC)—proposed amendments to the Merger Control Guidelines.

GAC Issues Third Conditional Approval

March 28, 2025

In February 2025, the Saudi General Authority for Competition (GAC) issued conditional approval for a significant transaction—its third such decision since the Kingdom’s revised merger control regime took effect in September 2019.

Jordanian Merger Control. The Unpredictable Timing Item.

March 21, 2025

In August 2023, the Jordanian government introduced revenue based notification thresholds that apply alongside the existing market share thresholds.

ECOWAS Merger Control and Domestic Regimes. The Nigerian Perspective.

March 21, 2025

In October 2024, the regional merger control regime for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) came into effect. Since than the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA) accepts filings.

Iraqi and Saudi Competition Authorities Sign MoU

March 20, 2025

On 20 February 2025 the Saudi General Authority for Competition (GAC) and the Iraqi Competition and Antitrust Council (CAC) signed an MoU to promote cooperation competition law matters between the countries.

ECA Releases Report on Merger Control Activity. Practice Does Not (Always) Match the Report’s Findings.

March 16, 2025

On 10 March 2025, the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) released its inaugural statistical report on merger control activities. The report covers the Egyptian merger control regime, which came into force on 1 June 2024.

New Ultimate Beneficial Ownership Rules in Saudi Arabia

March 12, 2025

The Saudi Minister of Commerce approved the new Ultimate Beneficial Ownership Rules (UBO Rules), which will come into effect on 3 April 2025. Learn more from Bremer.

ECA’s Legal Action Against Price Fixing in the Poultry Market

February 23, 2025

On Saturday 22 February 2025, the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) together with the public prosecution initiated criminal proceedings against 162 broiler chicken producers and the General Union of Poultry Producers for price fixing and related information exchange.

FDI and the Saudi Mining Investment Law

February 17, 2025

The Saudi Mining Investment Law, enacted under Royal Decree No. (M/140) dated 19/10/1441H (11 June 2020), was introduced to ease investment in and develop the Saudi mining sector as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to diversify its economy under Vision 2030.

GAC Issues Third Conditional Approval

February 17, 2025

In February 2025, the Saudi General Authority for Competition (GAC) granted conditional approval for a transaction.

New UAE Merger Control Notification Thresholds

February 16, 2025

On 20 January the UAE announced the long anticipated new notification thresholds. The new turnover threshold of AED 300 million (approx. USD 81 million) will apply starting send of March individually, in addition to the established 40% market share threshold.

Saudi Authority Issues Report on 2024 Activities

January 31, 2025

On January 7, 2024, The General Authority for Competition (GAC) published its 2024 Merger Control Report. According to the report, GAC granted unconditional clearance for 202 transactions in 2024.

Viatris Merger Notification Violation in Morocco

December 19, 2024

In November 2024, the Moroccan Competition Council (Direction Générale de la Concurrence et de la Répression des Abus de Marché) imposed a fine of MAD 7.58 million dirhams (approx. USD 760,000) on Viatris Inc., a US based pharmaceutical company, for failing to notify the merger that formed it.

MENA Merger Control What’s New in 2024

December 19, 2024

2024 saw the announcement of several material developments in merger control regulation throughout the MENA region.

The ECOWAS Merger Control Regime Enters into Force

December 19, 2024

After a slow implementation phase the regional merger control regime for the ECOWAS came into effect in October 2024.

The New Jordanian Merger Control Regime: One Year

November 19, 2024

In July 2022, the Jordanian government amended the Jordanian Competition Law (Law 33/2004), introducing significant changes to its merger control regime.

Pending Amendments to the COMESA Merger Control Regime

October 11, 2024

In early 2024, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Competition Commission (CCC) proposed significant amendments to its merger control regime.

The New Moroccan Merger Control Regime: One Year

September 25, 2024

The Moroccan Competition Council’s enhanced merger control regime, supported by clearer guidelines and increased penalties, signals a shift toward greater enforcement.

Navigating the European Commission’s Anti-Dumping Investigation: Egyptian Steel Manufacturers at a Crossroads

September 16, 2024

On 8 August, the European Commission launched an anti-dumping investigation into hot-rolled flat steel products from Egypt, India, Japan, and Vietnam.

The New Jordanian Merger Control Regime. One Year In.

September 5, 2024

In July 2022, the Jordanian government announced new amendments to the Jordanian Competition Law, Law 33/2004 (Competition Law). This brief provides an overview of the recent amendments as well as first experiences gained during the first 12 months of the amended law being in force.

Pending Amendments of the COMESA Merger Control Regime

August 27, 2024

In early 2024 The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Competition Commission (CCC) proposed amendments to the COMESA competition regime.

The New Moroccan Merger Control Regime. One Year In.

August 25, 2024

Like other Middle Eastern and North African countries, Morocco has been rather inactive as an antitrust and merger control jurisdiction until the late 2010s. This brief from Bremer Law looks at how the recent developments have shaped merger control review in Morocco.

Navigating the European Commission’s Anti-dumping Investigation: A Critical Moment for Egyptian Steel Manufacturers

August 20, 2024

At BREMER Law Firm, we fully understand the profound implications that the ongoing anti-dumping investigation by the European Commission could have on Egyptian steel manufacturers.

Saudi General Authority for Competition Announces Significant Merger Guideline Updates

August 15, 2024

On July 1, 2024, the Saudi General Authority for Competition (GAC) announced key amendments to its merger guidelines.

Egypt's New Pre-Closing Notification Merger Control Regime

August 7, 2024

On May 23, 2024, the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) hosted a discussion to clarify Egypt's new pre-closing notification merger control regime.

Saudi Competition Authority Introduces Amendments to Merger Guidelines

July 24, 2024

On 1 July 2024 the Saudi General Authority for Competition (GAC) announced proposed changes to their merger guidelines, which will enter into effect on 1 August.

ECA Investigates Companies Inflating Prices for Schoolbooks

June 25, 2024

On 23 June 2024, the board of directors of the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) determined that three companies operating in printing, publishing, and distribution of external school textbooks.

Egyptian Competition Authority Launched Criminal Action Against Clay Suppliers

June 4, 2024

On 1 June 2024, the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) announced that they launched criminal proceedings against 11 distributors for engaging in an anti-competitive agreement in relation to the supply clay for the ceramic and porcelain industry.

ECA Issued Merger Control Guidelines. Will They Hold?

May 26, 2024

On 23 May 2024, the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) held a discussion during which they provided clarification on Egypt’s new pre-closing notification merger control regime.

Egyptian Competition Authority Sets Precedent and Tackles RPM in Vertical Agreements

May 22, 2024

On 18 May 2024, the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) for the first time took action against a retail price maintenance (RPM) scheme and most favored nation (MFN) clauses.

The GAC Board Initiates Criminal Proceedings Against 64 Car Parts Businesses

April 29, 2024

In a recent board meeting held on December 27, 2023, the Saudi General Authority for Competition (GAC) made significant strides in reinforcing its commitment to fair market practices.

The Saudi General Authority for Competition( GAC) Released its Merger Control Report for Q1/2024

April 21, 2024

On 21 April 2024, the General Authority for Competition (GAC) released their first-quarter report for 2024 concerning their merger control activities. Learn more from Bremer.

Egyptian Pre-closing Notification Merger Control Regime Applies to all Transactions Not Closed Before 1 June 2024

April 7, 2024

On 30 December 2022 the amendments of the Egyptian Competition Law approved by the Egyptian House of Representatives on 6 December 2022 entered into force.

Enhancing Transparency and Effectiveness: The General Authority of Competition's (GAC) Strides Towards Enforcement Awareness

March 27, 2024

In the realm of fostering fair market practices and ensuring healthy competition, regulatory bodies play a pivotal role.

Egyptian Competition Authority Investigates Telecommunications Company

March 24, 2024

On 9 March 2024, the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) announced that it found that an Egyptian telecommunications company abused their dominant position to impose tying and bundling measures.

Arab Competition Network Poised to Increase Inter-agency Cooperation

March 19, 2024

The Arab Competition Network held their third annual forum in Riyadh on 23 May 2023. The forum specifically emphasized the need for closer cooperation and more effective communication among their members.

GAC Publishes Violations Case for the First Time Since 2020

March 15, 2024

The Saudi General Authority for Competition (GAC) recently published their decision to fine two companies for failing to notify an economic concentration to the GAC.

Simplified and Fast-track Merger Control Review in Morocco

March 14, 2024

In December 2023, the Moroccan Competition Council issued updated merger guidelines. Central to these guidelines was the introduction of a—be it rudimentary—local nexus test.

ECA Announces Action Against Cartel in

March 4, 2024

On 2 February 2024, the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) announced that they discovered price fixing among 20 manufacturers of ice blocks for commercial use.

The Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) Investigates Printing Houses

March 2, 2024

In recent years, Egypt has been actively pursuing measures to promote fair competition and protect consumer welfare across various sectors.

GAC Reaches out to Increase Awareness of Enforcement Activities

February 29, 2024

The General Authority of Competition (GAC) recently intensified their efforts to raise awareness of their enforcement against gun jumping violations.

Moroccan Merger Guidelines

February 23, 2024

In a landmark development, the Moroccan Competition Council has recently published updated merger control guidelines, offering much-needed clarity on notification obligations under Moroccan merger rules.

The Saudi General Authority for Competition (GAC) Released Report on Their Activities in 2023

February 1, 2024

On 23 January 2024, GAC published their report on their merger control activities in 2023.

Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) Uncovers Further Competition Law Violations by Education Related Businesses

January 29, 2024

On 8 January 2024, the board of directors of the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) determined that cooperative associations violated Egyptian competition law.

The UAE joins In and Amend Their Merger Control Regime

January 29, 2024

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) in late 2023 enacted Federal Decree-Law 36/2023 on the Regulation of Competition, comprehensively overhauling the country's competition regime.

The Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) Issues Fines Against Petroleum Product Distributors

January 22, 2024

The Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) recently took actions to address competition law violations in the petroleum product distribution market.

Moroccan Competition Council Sheds Light on Local Nexus Test

January 21, 2024

In December 2023 the Moroccan Competition Council issued new merger control guidelines. These guidelines provide comprehensive explanations of the council’s position on competition law concepts and their interpretation of the Moroccan Competition Law.

The Saudi General Authority for Competition (GAC) Board Initiates Criminal Proceedings Against 64 Car Parts Businesses

January 10, 2024

On the 27 December 2023 the Saudi General Authority for Competition (GAC) held their 85th board meeting. At the meeting the board consider the GAC’s investigation into the automotive after sales market and decided to initiate criminal proceedings against 64 car part businesses.

Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) Investigates 33 Printing Houses for Collusion and Price Fixing in Relation to Public Tenders

January 3, 2024

On 3 January 2023, the board of directors of the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) determined that 33 printing houses violated Egyptian competition law when they engaged in collusion and price-fixing in relation to public tenders of the Ministry of Education.

Saudi Arabia Expands Merger Control Regime, Causing Headaches for Businesses

December 15, 2023

Saudi Arabia recently amended its merger control notification thresholds to reduce filings for transactions unrelated to the Kingdom.

Nicolas Bremer of Bremer Featured on Mondaq

December 7, 2023

Nicolas Bremer of Bremer was featured on Mondaq. In the webinar, Bremer speaks about Merger Control in the MENA Region.

Saudi Attempt to Limit Scope of Merger Control Regime May Backfires New Thresholds Replace Local Nexus Test

November 27, 2023

On 1 November 2023, the Saudi General Authority for Competition (GAC) announced amendments to the Saudi merger control notification threshold, adding a local turnover requirement as well as a minimum turnover threshold for the target.

General Authority for Competition’s Assessment of Abuse of Dominance

November 25, 2023

Prohibiting abuse of dominance is one of the main pillars of competition law in any jurisdiction. Abuse of dominance describes unilateral conduct by which businesses use their substantial influence in a specific market to undermine fair competition.

Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) Conducts Investigation into the Market for School Uniforms

October 20, 2023

Education is a cornerstone of economic growth and societal well-being, and the Egyptian government recognizes its pivotal role in the country's development.

Amendments to Review Times and Procedure in the Moroccan Merger Control Regime

October 11, 2023

The most recent amendments of the Moroccan merger control regime, which entered into force in May 2023, introduces new turnover notification thresholds as well as several procedural novelties.

The Saudi General Authority for Competition (GAC) Sheds Light on Their Blocking Delivery Hero’s Acquisition of the Chefz

October 7, 2023

After the Saudi General Authority for Competition (GAC) initially provided no inside on why it end of 2021 blocked the acquisition of the Saudi food delivery company Chefz by Delivery Hero.

The Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) Issues New Market Definition Guidelines

October 2, 2023

On 21 September the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) issued new market definition guidelines. The guidelines are intended to provide guidance to businesses on how to define the relevant markets for the purposes of competition law analysis.

Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) Conducts Investigation into the Market for School Uniforms

September 24, 2023

The Egyptian government designated the educational sector of vital interest for the country due to the sector’s importance for economic development and it affecting all citizens.

Morocco’s New Merger Control Thresholds

September 11, 2023

On May 24, 2023, the Moroccan legislature ushered in a new era of merger control with the implementation of heightened notification thresholds.

Morocco Introduced New Merger Control Thresholds

September 4, 2023

Effective 24 May 2023 the Moroccan legislator introduced new, increased merger control notification thresholds.

Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) Initiates Criminal Proceedings Against Aluminum Parts Manufacturers for Price Fixing

September 3, 2023

On 3 September the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) announced that their Board of Directors decided to initiate criminal proceedings against 14 manufacturers of aluminum profiles for allegedly engaging in price fixing.

Saudi New Civil Transaction Law, Amendments to the Egyptian Investment Law’s Executive Regulations, and Saudi Merger Control Regulator Issues First Conditional Approval

August 28, 2023

On June 13th 2023, the Saudi Council of Ministers approved the Kingdom’s new Civil Transaction Law, marking a significant shift from Sharia law to a codified legal system.

Saudi Merger Control Regulator Issues Second Conditional Approval

August 22, 2023

In June 2023 the Saudi Arabian General Authority for Competition (GAC) granted the first conditional approval under the new merger control regime.

Saudi General Authority for Competition (GAC) Conducted a Large-Scale Investigation in the Automotive Sector

August 17, 2023

On 16 August 2023, the Saudi Arabia General Authority for Competition (GAC) announced that it will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the automotive sector.

American Bar Association, Antitrust Section — Our Curious Amalgam Podcast, Episode #231: What’s Happening in MENA? Trends and Developments in Middle East and Egyptian Antitrust

July 24, 2023

Merger control and antitrust enforcement continues to expand around the world. Is MENA ahead of or behind the curve? Nicolas Bremer, partner at law firm Bremer, joins Matthew Hall and Jeny Maier on the ABA Our Curious Amalgam Podcast to discuss developments in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Listen to this episode to learn more about merger control and antitrust rules in those jurisdictions and gain practical knowledge of how the regimes really work there.

Saudi Merger Control Regulator Issues First Conditional Approval

July 13, 2023

On 7 June 2023, the Saudi Arabian General Authority for Competition (GAC) granted for the first time a conditional clearance.

Unlocking Investment Opportunities: Saudi Arabia and Egypt Open Doors to Foreign Investors in their Mining Sectors

July 10, 2023

In recent years, Saudi Arabia and Egypt have made significant strides to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) into their respective mining sectors.

Amendments to the Egyptian Investment Law’s Executive Regulations

July 5, 2023

On the 4 June 2023, the Egyptian Prime Minister per decree amended the provisions of the Executive Regulations to the Egyptian Investment Law concerning the establishment of projects in private free zones.

Kuwaiti Competition Protection Agency Issues First Penalties

July 3, 2023

In Kuwait, the Competition Protection Authority (CPA) has been actively enforcing the Law on the Protection of Competition.

Saudi New Civil Transaction Law

June 17, 2023

The new Civil Transaction Law plays a vital role in streamlining legal processes and enhancing transparency and efficiency in civil and—to a certain extent—commercial transactions.

Foreign Direct Investment in the Mining Sector in Egypt and Saudi Arabia

June 9, 2023

Both—Saudi Arabia and Egypt—have recently taken steps to attract foreign direct investment into their mining sectors.

Saudi Arabian Regulator Lowered Merger Control Filing Fee Cap

June 8, 2023

Now, on 7 June GAC announced that they were reducing the filing fee cap to SAR 250,000 (approx. USD 67,000) with immediate effect.

Saudi General Authority for Competition Takes Action Against Anti-Competitive Practices in the Construction Sector

May 30, 2023

The Saudi Construction sector is one of the fastest growing sectors in the Kingdom. It was estimated at USD 133.1 billion in 2022 and expected to achieve an annual average growth rate of over 4% in the period from 2024 to 2027.

Kuwaiti Competition Protection Agency’s Issues First Penalties

May 26, 2023

The Kuwaiti Competition Protection Authority (CPA) imposes penalties for violations of the Law 72/2020 on the Protection of Competition (Competition Law), which came into force at the end of June 2021.

The Egyptian Competition Authority Discovers Bid-Rigging Cartel in the Automotive Sector

May 25, 2023

In a recent investigation the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) uncovered collusion in a public bidding process carried out by the Cairo Transport Authority (CTA).

Saudi Arabia Issues New Commercial Companies Law

May 22, 2023

On 28 June 2022, the Saudi Council of Ministers approved the Kingdom’s new Commercial Companies Law. The new law and its Executive Regulations entered into force on 19 January 2023 replacing the previous Saudi corporate law regime.

Update on the new Saudi Data Protection Law

May 14, 2023

After amendments and postponement the new Saudi Personal Data Protection Law Saudi Arabia is scheduled to enter into force later this year. The law seeks to aid in the Kingdom developing a digital infrastructure and a digital economy.

Cross Border Mergers in the Middle East Merger Control Considerations

May 12, 2023

Are you looking to expand your business into the Middle East and seize the opportunities offered by foreign direct investment and privatization? Bremer can help you navigate the complex landscape and maximize your chances of success.

Cross Border Mergers in the Middle East Merger Control Considerations

May 8, 2023

Foreign direct investment in developing economies—both in the form of green field investments and mergers and acquisitions (M&A)—surged in the 1990s.

Egypt Hosts Summit for African Competition Authorities: Implications for Businesses and Investors

May 3, 2023

Egypt recently hosted a summit for African competition authorities to foster effective communication and information exchange among regulators.

The Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) Takes Actions Against MFNs and Hub and Spokes Arrangements

April 15, 2023

The Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) has in two recent decisions expanded its enforcement practice against anti-competitive behavior by making use of the vaguely drafted article 8(a) Competition Law, Law 3/2005.

The Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) Takes Action Against Textbook Cartel

April 7, 2023

The recent actions taken by the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) against textbook providers in the education sector highlight the importance of fair competition in business practices.

The Egyptian Competition Authority Takes Action Against Bid Rigging

April 5, 2023

The Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) has recently turned its attention to the public sector, more specifically, bid rigging.

GAC Issues Guidelines on Measures for Compliance with Saudi Antitrust Provisions

March 3, 2023

The Saudi General Authority for Competition (GAC) issued advisory guidance for companies operating in Saudi Arabia on internal compliance mechanism to prevent violations of the Kingdom’s antitrust regime.

GAC Announces Increase of Notification Threshold of the Saudi Merger Control Regime

March 3, 2023

On 23 December 2022 the General Authority for Competition (GAC) announced that they were considering two amendments to the Kingdom’s merger control regime.

The Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) Takes Action Against Textbook Cartel

February 26, 2023

At the beginning of the current academic year the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) initiated investigations into the education sector. This sector is of particular interest to the ECA as the education directly affecting vulnerable consumers—namely families and children.

Egypt and Nigeria Sign MoU on Cooperation in Antitrust Matters

February 21, 2023

On February 1 ,2023, Egypt hosted a summit of African competition authorities. With the summit Egypt sought to foster effective communication among the continent’s competition regulators and encourage information exchange among them.

The Leniency Program in the Egyptian Competition Law

February 10, 2023

To enhance investigative and enforcement potential and facilitate detection of violations of the Egyptian Competition Law, Law 3/2005 (Competition Law) the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA) established a leniency program in art 26 Competition Law.

The Egyptian Competition Authority Takes Action Against Bid Rigging

January 31, 2023

The Egyptian Competition Authority takes action against bid rigging Ongoing tightening of antitrust enforcement in Egypt as ECA moves to issue sanctions.

New Egyptian Merger Control Regime

January 2, 2023

On 30 December 2022 the amendments of the Egyptian Competition Law approved by the Egyptian House of Representatives on 6 December 2022 entered into force.

Saudi Arabia Amendments to Notification Threshold and Filing Fee

December 23, 2022

The General Authority for Competition (GAC) today officially announced that they are considering two amendments to the Kingdom’s merger control regime.

New Egyptian Merger Control Regime

December 9, 2022

The long-anticipated overhaul of the Egyptian merger control regime introduces a pre closing notification regime.

Amendments to the Saudi Commercial Agency Law

September 28, 2022

To learn more about the changes to Commercial Agency Law or for advice on moving forward in your explorations in the Saudi and GCC markets, visit our website.

Overview of Pending Amendments to the Saudi Commercial Agency and Distributor Regime

June 20, 2022

Learn more about the overview of pending amendments to the Saudi commercial agency and distributor regime at Bremer.

Overview of Egyptian Competition Authority’s Decision

May 30, 2022

Learn more about the overview of Egyptian Competition Authority’s Decision from Bremer.