Australia to toughen merger rules amid fight with inflation

Australia’s treasurer, Jim Chalmers. (Image: Bloomberg)

Thu, 11 Apr 2024

By Stuart CondieAustralia plans to toughen its corporate merger rules amid regulators’ and public concerns that market concentration is restricting competition in key industries and adding to inflation.The reforms will strengthen and simplify Australia’s merger approval system, the federal government said on Wednesday. It plans to give the competition watchdog additional powers to scrutinise all mergers above certain value and market-share thresholds.The changes, which require legislation and are scheduled for the start of 2026...

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