CMA Merger Watch – UK merger control quarterly update (Q3 2026)

Welcome to our quarterly update summarising the CMA's key merger decisions and related activity over Q3 2026.

Q3 2026 saw eight new Phase 1 cases opened – double the previous quarter – and a number of important decisions.

Highlights in this quarter's edition include:

1. Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros clears UK hurdles;
2. CMA investigates minority acquisition in the beef sector;
3. Merging parties' increased up-take of 'fast-track procedures'; and
4. The increasing importance of barriers to entry and expansion in the CMA's competitive assessment.

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 Perkins Coie contact or any member of our team.

Authors: Nigel Parr, Partner; David Wirth, Director, Head of Economics and Oliver Noble, Director, Economist.