Legal development

CMA Merger Watch: UK merger control quarterly update (Q1 2026)

By Nigel Parr, Tom Punton, Oliver Noble and Jack Haile

01 April 2026

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    We are pleased to share the second edition of our CMA Merger Watch, published by the Ashurst Competition and Economics Team. The update provides a clear, practical overview of recent UK merger control activity and policy developments.

    Q1 2026 was quiet in terms of new Phase 1 cases, with just 6 new Phase 1 cases opened (the lowest number in more than two years) and 3 Phase 1 decisions. However, the CMA has 4 ongoing Phase 2 cases which have generated a number of interesting developments.

    Highlights in this quarter's edition include:

    • CMA blocks offshore catering merger (Aramark / Entier);
    • two wins for the "exiting firm" counterfactual;
    • use of the new Phase 2 fast track process;
    • the role of Gen AI in the CMA's assessment of Getty Images / Shutterstock; and
    • the consultation on reform to the UK's competition regime.

    Staying informed on UK merger control developments remains important given the pace of enforcement and ongoing changes at the CMA. If you have any questions about the issues covered, or would like to discuss any of the points, please do get in touch with your usual Ashurst contact or any member of our team.

    The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to.
    Readers should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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