This book provides a comprehensive guide to the scope of European Merger Control Regulations. It follows a practical approach, which is aimed at fulfilling the need for a straightforward, user-friendly introduction to the workings of merger control at European level. It is designed to provide the reader with the framework provisions, as opposed to a case-by-case analysis, thereby enabling those involved with mergers to understand more comprehensively how the regulations and the decisions of the Merger Task Force affect specific mergers, organizations and business. The scope and functions of the Merger Regulations are set out fully and step-by-step guides to the various procedures are provided. Information sources include the full text of the Regulations as amended, relevant Commission Notices, and details of the national authorities dealing with mergers. As the EU moves further towards the accomplishment of the internal market and as mergers of ever-increasing value take place, the Merger Regulations and the work of the Merger Task Force has become of heightened importance.

This text is the result of a conference held in London in September 1999, jointly organized by Hammond Suddards Solicitors and the Centre for the Law of the European Union of University College, London. This conference addressed the issues surrounding the European Commission's White Paper published in April 1999. In this respect, the conference presented distinguished speakers with an opportunity to air their views in public on this important development in the evolution of competition law in the European Union. The authors have tried to cover as much ground as possible, giving the view of authoritative contributors and competition authorities from most of the major European countries and from the European Commission. The contributors naturally focus on the Commission's White Paper and view their national situation in this light. There is detailed treatment of the situation in the UK and the entry into force of the UK Competition Act.