Economy
ACM Can Now Intervene in Smaller Mergers and Acquisitions
The Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) will gain the power to intervene in smaller mergers if they risk creating excessive market dominance, following a vote by the Tweede Kamer on an initiative bill by Julian Bushoff of Pro. The new legislation lowers the turnover threshold to 50 million euros, allowing the ACM to investigate and potentially block acquisitions that could lead to higher prices or reduced quality in sectors like childcare, healthcare, and veterinary services. Minister Heleen Herbert stated that the law aims to prevent "killer acquisitions" by large tech companies and stimulate competition and innovation, marking the first major adjustment to merger laws since 1998.
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