Irish merger notifications CCPC Trends 2025
Irish merger notifications rise again, with faster outcomes and growing confidence among business owners
Irish merger notifications continued to increase in 2024 and the latest CCPC figures, with 80 notifications so far during 2025, point to another year of strong activity. There were 82 merger notifications in total in 2024, a 21% increase. The majority were cleared through the Simplified Procedure, and many received decisions in about 13 working days. For business owners considering M&A transactions, strategic partnerships, or investments, this makes the landscape far more predictable.
Ireland is also one of the European markets showing the strongest year on year growth in merger activity. The steady rise suggests a shift in sentiment. More businesses are looking outward, exploring opportunities and approaching potential transactions with greater confidence.
Sean Ryan, Partner and Head of EU and Competition at Whitney Moore, has seen this across a wide range of sectors. “It is interesting to see family businesses, technology firms and traditional industry all arriving at similar questions. The sense of possibility is back. The quicker review timelines support that momentum and give people clarity at an early point.”
Most filings now proceed through the Simplified Procedure.
More than seven out of ten transactions were cleared under the Simplified Procedure in 2024. In many cases, the CCPC issued decisions shortly after the 10 working day period for third-party comments. This allows parties to plan with far greater certainty and helps reduce the long periods of waiting that once slowed transactions.
The same notification form is used for both the Simplified Procedure and the standard procedure. Where a transaction clearly raises no competition concerns, parties are often not required to provide the same level of detail on matters such as competitors, customers and suppliers, which keeps the process lighter.
Sean notes that the quicker pace is welcome but still requires careful though: “The process is more streamlined, but parties still need to be thoughtful. A ‘pre-notification discussion’ with the CCPC before filing can prevent delays later, and help the parties understand whether their deal is a suitable fit for the simplified route.”
It is also important to remember that the CCPC can decide at any stage that a transaction requires a full review and can seek further information. Early engagement helps to manage that risk.
Where the Simplified Procedure tends to work well
Transactions usually progress smoothly where the parties operate in different product or geographic markets and/or hold a low combined market share. Deals that involve a move from joint control to sole control also tend to move through the system without difficulty, provided there are no other features that raise concern.
Where the CCPC is taking a closer look
The regulator continues to spend more time on transactions in concentrated markets and in sectors with important pipeline products. This is especially true for digital and pharmaceutical businesses, where innovation and growth can quickly change the competitive landscape.
Sean explains that this is entirely expected: “If there is any sign that customers could have fewer choices, the CCPC will want to understand the details. It does not mean the transaction cannot proceed. It simply means the parties should be prepared for a more involved process.”
A rise in early exploratory enquiries
One of the clearest behavioural shifts from the past year is the increase in early enquiries. Many businesses are seeking guidance long before a deal is ready, often to understand likely timing, potential hurdles or the general shape of the process.
Sean sees this as a positive trend: “Early clarity can be invaluable. Even when a deal never reaches the filing stage, those initial conversations help people plan with a clearer head. They also avoid unnecessary stress later on.”
Why this matters for the Irish market
For businesses considering M&A transactions, strategic partnerships or investments, the combination of rising activity and faster review periods is reassuring. The path to completion feels more predictable, and conversations can progress without the uncertainty that previously slowed decisions.
Sean notes that the landscape is still evolving: “We expect the CCPC to refine its approach further, particularly as new digital and data-driven models enter the market. Early preparation will matter. A clear understanding of potential competition issues will help firms move through the system with confidence.”
If you would like to discuss
If you would like more information, please contact:
Sean Ryan, Partner, Corporate
Head of EU and Competition
Sean.Ryan@WhitneyMoore.ie