The EU Commission consults on the possible improvements that can be done in regards to merger control

On 20 June 2013, the European Commission published a consultation paper which proposes a reflexion and seeks comments from stakeholders on two distinct issues in the field of merger control: non-controlling minority shareholdings and the system of case referrals. The Commission raises detailed questions about these two issues. Answers and comments can be submitted until 12 September 2013. NON-CONTROLLING MINORITY SHAREHOLDINGS The current EU Merger Regulation applies only to transactions leading to a change of control over an undertaking. The Commission raises the question whether the Merger Regulation should be amended to allow the Commission to assess potential anticompetitive effects of certain acquisitions of non-controlling minority shareholdings (referred to as “structural links”).