Vilnius, October 20, 2025 — The Lithuanian Competition Council has amended its merger notification procedure to reduce the administrative burden on businesses, with the new rules entering into force on January 15, 2026.
Less Information Required from Companies
Under the revised procedure, companies planning mergers will be required to submit less information to the authority. The changes eliminate the need for several formal confirmations — including signed statements on turnover in Lithuania — and remove the obligation to list primary and secondary business activities or provide extensive contact details.
Additional information about related entities will only be required if those entities are registered or generate income in Lithuania, except when the relevant markets extend beyond the country. Companies will no longer have to disclose all non-controlling shareholders or members involved in a transaction.
According to the authority’s experts, the simplified procedure is expected to cut the annual administrative burden on businesses by an estimated €163,000 [approximately $189,539.6].
Streamlined Submissions and Modernized Definitions
The revised rules also require notifying parties to identify controlling shareholders and competitors operating in related markets with at least a 10% non-controlling shareholding. In line with European Commission practice, the authority will also request information on the parties’ future expansion plans in the relevant markets.
Businesses will be able to submit notifications electronically, signed with a digital signature, removing the need for notarization or certification by lawyers. Companies will simply confirm that submitted documents are identical to the originals. The list of accompanying internal documents has also been updated, along with terminology adjustments reflecting legislative changes.
The amendments were subject to public consultation, and several stakeholder suggestions were incorporated into the final version. The authority plans to publish a template notification form to simplify submissions further.
