The Competition Bureau has published draft merger review process guidelines on its website for public comment.

The guidelines released Tuesday include a description of the process the Bureau may use to gather information required to carry out a timely review of proposed mergers that appear likely to raise significant competition issues. Among other things, they also provide a detailed discussion of the proposed practices and procedures the Bureau intends to follow to narrow the scope of such supplementary information requests.

The Bureau adds that issuing the draft guidelines is the first step in a program to provide clarity to Canadian businesses and consumers about recent amendments to the Competition Act. Among other actions, it will also be organizing information sessions with business and consumer groups, and making available new and updated information on its website explaining the changes to the Act.

In addition, draft guidelines on the Bureau’s approach to new provisions dealing with collaborations among competitors will be made available this spring for consultation.

The draft merger review process guidelines will be open for public comment for 60 days, comments are due by May 29.

IE