Principles on the application, by National Competition Authorities within the ECA, of Articles 4 (5) and 22 of the EC Merger Regulation

These Principles were agreed on by the National Competition Authorities (NCAs) within the European Competition Authorities Association (“ECA”) in 2005 and relate to Articles 4(5) and 22 EC Merger Regulation (“ECMR”) as set out in Council Regulation (EC) No 139/04 of 20 January 2004 on the control of concentrations between undertakings. They replace the version of 2002 and may be reviewed by the NCAs from time to time to reflect legislative developments (European or national) or decisional practice. The Principles should be read in conjunction with and as complementary to the EU Commission’s Notice on Case Referrals in respect of concentrations (the EU Commission Notice) and the relevant parts of Commission Regulation (EC) No. 802/2004 implementing the ECMR including its annexes (Form CO, Short Form CO and Form RS).