Mergers and acquisitions

The Competition Act legislates and regulates acquisitions and mergers.

Generally, a merger is any manner in which control over, or a significant interest in, the whole or a part of another business is established.

Businesses planning a merger should contact the Competition Bureau before filing a merger notification. Mergers of all sizes, in all sectors, are subject to review by the Commissioner of Competition. This ensures mergers do not substantially lessen or prevent competition.

If the merger does negatively affect competition, the Commissioner may apply to the Competition Tribunal to prevent or order dissolution of the merger.