The Merger Control Forum 2025 - 2nd Annual

Registration
09:00

Chairperson's Opening Remarks
09:30

CMA Keynote
09:40

Examining the Evolving Use of Remedy Tools
10:15

• A look at key clearances: Schlumberger/Champion X, Vodafone/Three
• Increased acceptance of Behavioural Remedies
• Analysing the CMA’s new draft guidance on remedies
• A look at innovative approaches to remedies and their application
• Monitoring commitment and fulfilment of behavioural/investment remedies

Networking & Refreshment Break
11:00

Assessing the Interplay between Merger Control and the “Pro-Growth Agenda”
11:20

• Industrial policy and Competition: National/European Champions
• The Government’s Strategic Steer; is CMA decision making more politicised?
• Impact of FDI and FSR notification process on the “pro-growth agenda”

Examining Recent Cases in Big Tech and Digital Markets
12:05

• Key learnings from the CMA’s investigations of the relationship between AI and Big Tech firms
• Assessing the effect of the provisions in the DMA and DMCCA
• Takeaways from recent investigations into the relationship between AI start-ups and Big Tech

Networking & Lunch Break
12:50

Navigating Multi-Jurisdictional and Cross-Border Challenges in Mergers
13:50

• Managing multi-jurisdictional mergers and multiple regulation authorities
• Developments in key jurisdictions: UK, EU, and USA
• Interaction and divergence between agencies

Effectively Approaching Foreign Direct Investments in the Context of Mergers
14:35

• A look at key Processes for foreign investment controls across Europe
• Practical lessons in effective communication with the ISU under the NSIA
• Approaching theories of harm in defence, resilience, and security

Networking and Refreshment Break
15:20

Highlighting Key Developments in Efficiencies and Theories of Harm
15:40

• How are the Commission and NCAs approaching efficiencies Post-Draghi and Mission Letters
• Substantive review of innovation, eco-systems, dynamic and novel theories of harm
• A look at the effect of potential changes to efficiency to the UK’s Merger Control Regime

Assessing the Impact of Foreign Subsidies Regulation in Merger Activity
16:25

• A look at foreign subsidies regulation two years on
• Managing data on financial contributions to companies
• Effectively approaching the increased complexity of Foreign Subsidy Regulation on Private Equity
• Effectively balancing remedies between National FDI and FSR Remedies

Chairperson's Closing Remarks
17:10