Cyprus Opens Consultation on Draft Bill to Modernise Merger Rules

Cyprus has unveiled a public consultation on a draft bill designed to update and reinforce the country’s framework for mergers and business concentrations.

The Competition Protection Commission announced that the proposal, formally titled “the Control of Business Concentrations (Amendment) Law of 2025,” will be available for public comment from September 15, 2025, through October 20, 2025.

In straightforward terms, the law sets the rules for how large companies may merge or acquire others in Cyprus, with the primary objective of ensuring such transactions do not undermine competition or harm consumers.

The draft introduces amendments to the existing Control of Business Concentrations Law [Law 83(I)/2014], aligning it with current European Union standards on data protection, fair digital markets, and foreign subsidies that distort competition within the internal market.

Key proposed changes include an adjustment of notification thresholds for mergers, an expansion of the law’s scope, enhancements to the commission’s investigative and enforcement powers, and revisions aimed at improving the clarity and effectiveness of certain provisions.

The commission is calling on all interested stakeholders to participate in the consultation by submitting comments, observations, and recommendations. Contributions may be provided through the government’s e-consultation platform at https://e-consultation.gov.cy or sent via email using the attached Comment Submission Form, which must be completed by October 20, 2025.

Both the draft bill and the Comment Submission Form can also be accessed directly on the Competition Protection Commission’s website at www.competition.gov.cy.

The regulator stressed that this consultation process represents an essential step toward modernising Cyprus’ legal framework and ensuring full compliance with EU obligations. 

By fLEXI tEAM