Competition Bureau Publishes Merger Review Process Guidelines

OTTAWA, September 18, 2009 — The Competition Bureau today published its Merger Review Process Guidelines. The Guidelines provide detailed guidance on the Bureau’s general approach to administering the new, two stage merger review process that came into force on March 12, 2009.

The Guidelines include a description of the supplementary information request ("SIR") process through which the Bureau may gather information required to carry out a timely review of the few proposed mergers each year that appear likely to raise significant competition issues. Among other things, the Guidelines provide a discussion of the practices and procedures that the Bureau will follow to ensure that the potential burden on parties in responding to a SIR is no greater than necessary, while at the same time enabling the Bureau to obtain information required to conduct its review.

"The Guidelines have been designed to offer a high degree of transparency and predictability regarding the Bureau’s procedural approach to merger review," said Melanie Aitken, Commissioner of Competition. "They reflect not only our experience to date, but also the positive and constructive feedback received during the Bureau’s consultations with external stakeholders."

The Bureau anticipates that the Guidelines may be supplemented in the future with additional details on certain procedural issues, such as "pulling and re-filing" and modifications to existing service standards, following further public consultations and conclusion of appropriate processes.

The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency that contributes to the prosperity of Canadians by protecting and promoting competitive markets and enabling informed consumer choice.

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Alexa Thorp
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819-953-9760

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