Navigating Merger Control in MENA: Key Trends, Risks, and Strategic Considerations

As merger control regimes across the Middle East and North Africa continue to evolve, businesses face an increasingly complex and dynamic regulatory landscape. This webinar will explore key developments across the GCC and wider region, highlighting the shift from formality-driven processes to more substantive regulatory scrutiny. Our speakers will unpack recent changes to thresholds, filing requirements, and enforcement priorities, while addressing common pitfalls companies encounter – particularly when navigating multi-jurisdictional filings that diverge from EU and US frameworks. With a focus on practical insights, the session will also examine realistic timelines, frequent causes of delay, and strategies for sequencing filings to avoid bottlenecks that could impact global deal completion.

The discussion will further delve into how companies can effectively engage with MENA competition authorities, including best practices for pre-notification discussions and managing information requests. We will analyse emerging assessment trends, including increased scrutiny of digital markets, minority shareholdings, and vertical transactions, alongside evolving expectations around remedies. In addition, the webinar will highlight the critical role of corporate counsel in identifying filing obligations early, coordinating internal stakeholders, and aligning MENA strategies with global merger control efforts. Finally, our panel will look ahead to the next 12–18 months, offering perspectives on anticipated regulatory reforms, sector-specific enforcement trends, and the broader geopolitical and economic factors shaping merger control in the region.