Are you prepared for Australia's shift in merger laws?
This week's edition of BDO's insights is here to prepare you for the upcoming shift in Australia's M&A landscape that promises a fairer and more competitive market.
Keep reading to catch up on our latest content and view our upcoming events and webinars.
Ushering in the most substantial changes to merger laws in over 50 years
Australia's M&A landscape is undergoing a major transformation in 2025 with the introduction of the Treasury Laws Amendment (Mergers and Acquisitions Reform) Act 2024. This new legislation, effective from January 1, 2026, replaces the previous voluntary review process with a mandatory notification regime.
Key changes include:
For mid-market businesses, these changes are particularly impactful. The new regime applies to transactions completed after January 1, 2026, with transitional arrangements allowing parties to opt-in from July 1, 2025. Businesses considering acquisitions or divestments in 2025 must navigate the new regulations carefully to ensure continued growth and competitiveness.
The legislation sets specific monetary thresholds for mandatory notifications, which will be detailed in subsequent legislation. For instance, economy-wide thresholds include a combined Australian turnover of the merger group exceeding $200 million.
How will this impact you?
The new merger review era demands strategic planning and compliance from businesses to avoid hefty penalties and ensure successful transactions. As the ACCC gains more oversight, the M&A landscape in Australia will become more transparent and regulated, promising a fairer and more competitive market environment.
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Upcoming events and webinars
Visit our website to see more upcoming events and webinars from BDO in Australia.
IFRS & Corporate Reporting webinar series: What’s hot and what’s not in 2025
Wednesday 22 January, 11:00am - 12:00pm AEDT
Start 2025 with key insights on IFRS and corporate reporting. Join Aletta Boshoff , Kevin Frohbus and Dean Ardern for our first webinar of the year, where they will share hot topics, key developments and insider tips on what to expect in the year ahead.
Tax Law webinar series: Buying and selling businesses – tax traps and strategies
Wednesday 12 February, 11:00am - 12:00pm AEDT
The second edition in our three-part webinar series for legal professionals will equip you with essential insights into tax traps and strategies when buying and selling businesses. Enhance your risk management and the value you bring to your clients by knowing the issues that most commonly arise and helping them identify when they should seek detailed tax advice.
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