UK merger control will catch more technology deals from today

The UK merger control thresholds have been lowered from today for target businesses developing military and dual-use technology, computing hardware and quantum technology. Jurisdiction can be seized either where the target has at least £1m UK turnover (down from £70m for deals in other sectors) and / or where the target has at least a 25 per cent share of supply of certain goods or services in the UK (without the need for any overlap with the acquirer's share of supply).

The notifying regime remains voluntary for these transactions as it does for others, but parties will be incentivised to notify deals in these sectors for fear of being on the back foot if ministers intervene on their own initiative.