ACCC merger clearance is the mandatory pre-completion competition approval required for certain acquisitions in Australia under the merger control regime that commenced on 1 January 2026. Under the regime introduced by the Treasury Laws Amendment (Mergers and Acquisitions Reform) Act 2024 (Cth), acquisitions involving a change of control with a sufficient nexus to Australia must be notified to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission where they exceed prescribed monetary thresholds.
Transactions that meet the thresholds but proceed without ACCC approval are void. The new regime replaces the long-standing voluntary informal merger review process. ACCC notification fees are expected to range from approximately AU$50,000 to AU$100,000 for most notifiable transactions, with exemptions for some small business transactions. ACCC fees are in addition to any FIRB fees.