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CMA17 sets out the Competition and Markets Authoritys (CMA) procedural rules for merger, market and special reference groups.

2 January 2025: revised rules published

The revised rules reflect the changes to the mergers regime made by the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA24) which commenced on 1 January 2025 as well as recent developments and current practice.

The revised rules take effect on 1 January 2025 and will apply to all cases referred to Phase 2 (including under sections 22, 33, 45 and 62 of the Enterprise Act 2002) on or after 1 January 2025 (a reference is made to the chair of the CMA for the constitution of a group under Schedule 4 to the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013). For all cases referred to Phase 2 prior to 1 January 2025, the April 2024 rules will continue to apply.

For more information, see the updated mergers guidance consultation page.

Summary of transitional provisions

The parts of the revised rules dealing with penalty powers introduced by the DMCCA24 (paragraphs 10.2 and 17.4) are subject to the transitional provisions in the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (Commencement No.1 and Savings and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2024 (SI 2024/1226). The new penalty powers will apply in relation to section 109 notices issued on or after 1 January 2025 or false or misleading information provided in relation to a section 109 notice or a section 5 information request issued on or after 1 January 2025. The new penalty powers in relation to breaches of undertakings and orders (including interim measures) will apply in relation to undertakings and orders accepted/made on or after 1 January 2025.