Rome, January 26, 2026 — Italy’s competition authority has amended its merger notification procedures to require online filing through a dedicated digital platform, marking a further step in the authority’s push to modernise and streamline merger control processes.
Move to Mandatory Online Notifications
In a decision adopted on December 16, 2025, and published this week, the Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM) revised its February 2024 communication on the modalities for notifying concentrations. The changes reflect the introduction of an online-only filing system, to be completed via the authority’s “Formulari-Web” platform.
Under the revised rules, merger notifications must be submitted by completing the electronic concentration form available through the AGCM’s online portal, in line with the official guidance on how to compile merger filings. Notifications must be digitally signed by the legal representatives of the notifying parties or by individuals holding a specific power of attorney.
The authority said the changes are intended to simplify submissions, improve efficiency, and standardise the information provided in merger notifications.
Transitional Period Until August 2026
To ease the transition, the AGCM introduced a transitional period running until August 31, 2026. During this period, companies may continue to notify concentrations using the existing form, provided it is submitted together with the required supporting documentation via certified electronic mail (PEC).
Where the transaction does not give rise to any affected markets, notifying parties may continue to use a simplified version of the form, omitting the section on affected markets. The revised communication also clarifies that information already submitted to the authority in previous merger notifications may be incorporated by reference, provided any changes are clearly identified.
Information Accuracy and Market Data
The amended rules reiterate the obligation on notifying parties to ensure that all information provided is complete and accurate. Parties must expressly confirm responsibility for the veracity of the submission and the conformity of attached documents with their originals.
While supplementary information may be provided in annexes, the AGCM stressed that core information — in particular data on market shares of the parties and their main competitors — must be included directly in the body of the notification.
Publication and Entry Into Force
The updated decision and the revised communication will be published in the AGCM’s official bulletin and on its website. The move aligns Italy with a broader trend among European authorities toward digitalisation of merger control filings and administrative processes.
Source: https://www.agcm.it/dotcmsdoc/bollettini/2026/4-26.pdf
