The Chinese Competition Authority publishes a formal statement on revised procedures for merger filings during the COVID-19 crisis

These moves follow similar actions by the State Administration for Market Regulation (“SAMR”), China’s antitrust authority. On February 6, SAMR issued a formal statement laying out revised procedures for merger filings, prohibiting face-to-face meetings and requiring parties to submit pre-merger notifications online or through the mail, obviating the need for in-person physical filings. SAMR’s communications with filing parties are now principally occurring by fax, email, and phone. Together, the moves are meant to ensure SAMR efficiently reviews