The European Commission has the power to vet company mergers and takeovers for adverse effects in cases which affect competition in the EU’s Single Market. Adverse effects could include increasing prices or restricting choice of suppliers or products. The Commission can impose measures on the merging companies to avoid significant harm to competition or, in cases where companies refuse to take such measures or the harms cannot be prevented if the deals were to proceed, the Commission can decide to prohibit mergers or takeovers from taking place.

BEUC intervenes in merger investigations by the European Commission, where a merger or takeover could harm consumers, for example by increasing prices or limiting consumers’ choice.

BEUC also intervenes to ensure that consumer interests are given the priority they deserve when there are reviews of legislation and guidelines concerning application of the EU’s merger control.