EC merger control, 3rd ed.

Book abstract:

Since the second edition of 'EC merger control' was published in 1996 there have been significant developments in the field of merger policy. There have been significant changes to the Merger Regulation and as Economic and Monetary Union acts as a driving force for consolidation in the European Union, the European Commission finds itself handling an increasing workload of mergers.

The latest edition of this book, first published in 1991, has been extensively revised and rewritten to bring the situation up to date. It includes commentary on new case law, merger decisions and most significantly the 1997 change to the key legislation which introduced a new set of merger thresholds and extended the Commission's jurisdiction.

The latest edition maintains the structure of the second edition and although much of the historical background included in the first two editions has now been discarded the book still opens with an extensive introduction to merger policy which details the main features of EC regulation in this field. Chapter 2 examines the meaning of 'Concentration' and this is followed up with an appraisal of concentrations in Chapter 5. Chapters 3 and 4 look at the Community dimension of mergers and the methods of notification and investigation while ancillary restraints, decisions, undertakings and appeals are the focus of chapters 6 and 7. The final chapter looks at the relationship with national law and national competition authorities.

This book will prove a useful guide to lawyers in industry and private practice who advise on the impact of EC merger control.

John Cook worked in the U.K Office of Fair Trading and the Department of Trade and Industry before moving into private practice in 1988. Dr. Christopher Kerse has worked in the field of European Law since 1976.