Annual merger investigation outcomes
Updated 16 January 2026
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This page outlines how many mergers were investigated in the UK, and their outcomes, in each of the last 3 full years (January to December).
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) can only investigate a merger if it meets certain legal criteria.
Merger outcomes in 2025
In 2025 we considered 881 mergers formally or informally. This includes mergers that we were told about and mergers that we found ourselves.
Of those 881 mergers, we investigated 39 at phase 1.
Of the 39 mergers investigated at phase 1, 4 were then investigated at phase 2.
Of the 4 mergers investigated at phase 2:
- 2 were unconditionally cleared
- 1 had the parties offer acceptable remedies (selling off assets)
- 1 was blocked
Of all considered mergers, 0.1% were blocked or abandoned.
Merger outcomes in 2024
In 2024 we considered 1,037 mergers formally or informally. This includes mergers that we were told about and mergers that we found ourselves.
Of those 1,037 mergers, we investigated 38 at phase 1.
Of the 38 mergers investigated at phase 1, 5 were then investigated at phase 2.
Of the 5 mergers investigated at phase 2:
-
2 were unconditionally cleared by us
-
2 had the parties offer acceptable remedies (selling off assets)
-
1 was cancelled/abandoned by the parties
Of all considered mergers, 0.1% were blocked or abandoned.
Merger outcomes in 2023
In 2023 we considered 848 mergers formally or informally. This includes mergers that we were told about and mergers that we found ourselves.
Of those 848 mergers, we investigated 56 at phase 1.
Of the 56 mergers investigated at phase 1, 10 were then investigated at phase 2.
Of the 10 mergers investigated at phase 2:
-
4 were unconditionally cleared by us
-
2 had the parties offer acceptable remedies (selling off assets)
-
2 were blocked by us
-
2 were cancelled or abandoned by the parties
Of all considered mergers, 0.5% were blocked or abandoned.