Legal development

CMA Merger Watch - UK Merger Control Quarterly Update (Q4 2025)

By Nigel Parr, Oliver Noble and Tom Punton

21 January 2026

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    We are pleased to share the first in our new quarterly series on UK Merger Control, CMA Merger Watch, published by the Ashurst Competition and Economics Team. The update provides a clear, practical overview of recent CMA activity and policy developments.

    Highlights in this quarter’s edition include:

    • a rare win for the exiting firm counterfactual (Sportradar / IMG Arena);
    • the latest developments in the Getty Images / Shutterstock merger as the CMA hones its new approach to global mergers and behavioural remedies;
    • the CMA’s continued intervention in supermarket supplier mergers; and
    • updated guidance on remedies and procedure.

    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.

    Other Author: Jack Haile, Competition Economist

    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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