The Right Advice Goes a Long Way

What: Fixing COMESA’s merger review framework

Areas: Telecom, Digital Financial Services, Competition

MacmillanKeck Lead: Jason Blechman

The COMESA Competition Commission (CCC) faced criticism for its merger guidelines in its early years. These imposed filing requirements on nearly all cross-border mergers in the region regardless of size, among other problems. Working with Charles River Associates, we advised the CCC on an overhaul of its merger guidelines and proposed changes to its competition regulations and rules. The revised guidelines were praised by experts and market participants in the region and established the CCC as a credible player in global mergers involving the African continent. We also advised the CCC on developing a regional leniency program for cartel violations.