The Indian Competition Authority issues regulatory changes to the merger notification procedure

In a welcome move, on 13 August 2019, amendments to the Combination Regulations were published in The Gazette of India. [1] With effect from 15 August 2019 (India’s Independence Day), parties to notifiable acquisitions, mergers and amalgamations (collectively referred to as “combinations”) will, if certain conditions are satisfied, be able to avail of a “Green Channel”. Notifications that can avail of the Green Channel will, subject to certain safeguards, be deemed to be approved by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) upon filing. The main features of the new Green Channel are as follows: Combinations Covered Under Schedule III to Form I, the Green Channel may be used where, considering any plausible market definitions, the parties to the combination, their respective group