MADRID – The European Union will overhaul its merger rules to consider factors beyond short-term price effects, a move prompted by lobbying from major industries seeking greater regulatory flexibility to compete globally, according to European Commission Competition Chief Teresa Ribera.
Ribera, speaking in an interview with Spanish newspaper Expansion published Tuesday, indicated the EU is responding to calls for updated guidelines from sectors including telecommunications and banking. These industries have argued existing regulations hinder consolidation needed to challenge rivals in the United States and China.
The current EU framework assesses the impact of mergers on consumer prices for three years following a deal’s completion. Ribera stated this timeframe may be extended, particularly in rapidly evolving and innovative sectors, where the benefits of a merger “aren’t really seen until some time has passed.”
While acknowledging the need for updated guidelines, Ribera emphasized the core principle of protecting consumers and maintaining a competitive market will remain central. She noted that “more than 95% of mergers have taken place without any problem” under the existing rules.
Future assessments will incorporate new criteria beyond price, including sustainability, innovation, and resilience. Ribera also stated that companies will be expected to provide more robust evidence to support their cases to regulators.
The Commission will hold an orientation debate next week to initiate the rulemaking process, followed by consultations with member states, national regulators, and the public. These consultations are expected to conclude this spring, according to Ribera.
The move comes as several companies have recently faced financial headwinds. Domino’s Pizza UK reported a 15% drop in annual profit on March 10, 2026, while Volkswagen forecasts a margin recovery after a challenging 2025. Persimmon, a UK homebuilder, targets up to 12,500 home completions in 2026, according to reports released Tuesday. These developments occur alongside broader economic trends, including a slight fall in German exports in January and rising fuel costs for Qantas due to the conflict in the Middle East.
Global Banking & Finance Review® reported Tuesday that Pearl Bank and Open Bank JSC were recognized with awards for banking innovation, while OneLife Assurance Limited received an award as the best life insurance company in Zambia. These awards, presented by the Global Banking & Finance Review Awards®, highlight the ongoing evolution within the financial sector.
