The goal of a merger review is to obtain the necessary evidence for careful analysis and consideration before reaching a conclusion as to whether a merger is likely to substantially lessen or prevent or competition.
As part of the Bureau’s normal approach in examining a merger, the Bureau consults with a wide range of industry participants, such as suppliers, competitors, industry associations, customers and industry experts, and considers many different factors, including the definition of the relevant market, the level of concentration and the level of competition remaining in the market.
When a merger is likely to prevent or lessen competition substantially, the Bureau generally attempts to negotiate an agreement with the merging parties without proceeding to litigation.
This approach enables a less costly and faster resolution of the matter. We prefer to resolve situations by mutual agreement rather than proceed to the Competition Tribunal; however, if the Bureau determines that a merger is likely to considerably affect competition, it may apply to the Tribunal for an order to prevent, dissolve or alter the merger. In all cases, the Bureau’s mandate is to ensure that transactions will not result in a substantial lessening or prevention of competition in the marketplace.
Competition Bureau
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