The UK Competition Authority publishes guidance on its approach to merger control during the COVID-19 pandemic

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published guidance on its approach to merger control during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance deals with procedural issues as well as substantive assessment, and makes it clear that on the whole the CMA’s approach remains one of ‘business as usual’. Unlike in many other jurisdictions, statutory timelines have not been suspended or extended. The CMA has of course had to make some practical adjustments to its working arrangements and recognises that some aspects of its investigations, in particular the pre-notification phase, may in some instances take longer than usual. On substantive assessment the CMA is keen to highlight that COVID-19 will not result in a relaxation of its current standards, which remain essential to protect the