Canada - International Competition Network

Canada, mergers and acquisitions are reviewable matters pursuant to the federal Competition Act, R.S.C., c. C-34, as amended (the "Act"). The Commissioner of Competition is the independent law enforcement official who directs the Competition Bureau and is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Act, including the merger provisions. Within the Competition Bureau, merger reviews are the responsibility of the Mergers Branch. The Commissioner of Competition may make an application before the Competition Tribunal opposing any merger which is likely to substantially lessen or prevent competition in a market.

In addition to the Competition Act and its related regulations, guidance with respect to treatment of mergers and notifications are provided by a variety of guidelines and information bulletins.

Merger Review

• Merger Review Provisions
• Merger Enforcement Guidelines
• Merger Enforcement Guidelines as applied to Banks
• Fees and Services Standards Handbook
• Merger Review Performance Report

Notification Information

• Notifiable Transactions Provisions
• Notifiable Transactions Regulations
• Interpretation Guidelines - Notifiable Transactions under Part IX of the Competition Act
• Notifiable Transactions and Advance Ruling Certificates Procedures Guide
• Notifiable Transactions - Forms
• Fees and Taxes Table
• How to File a Merger Notification (including Contact Information)

ICN Merger Notification and Procedures Template: Canada's Template