Doha, November 3, 2025 — Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) has introduced a voluntary pre-merger review service to help companies planning mergers and acquisitions better understand competition law requirements before formally submitting a notification to the Competition Protection and Anti-Monopoly Committee.
Early Consultation for Merging Parties
The initiative allows companies to engage in early-stage consultations with the Competition Protection and Anti-Monopoly Department to clarify legal procedures and assess whether a transaction may raise competition concerns. The service is designed to guide firms through the review process and help ensure smoother compliance with Qatari merger control rules.
Objectives of the Initiative
According to the Ministry, the service aims to:
- Simplify procedures and explain relevant legal obligations to companies;
- Support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) undertaking merger or acquisition projects;
- Promote voluntary compliance with the provisions of Article 10 of Law No. 19 of 2006 on the Protection of Competition and Prevention of Monopolistic Practices.
Encouraging Transparency and Compliance
The MOCI said the new tool underscores its commitment to transparency and proactive enforcement, ensuring businesses can seek guidance and avoid potential breaches of merger control rules. Interested companies can apply for the service by scanning a QR code provided in the Ministry’s announcement.
