UK regulator axes 37 outdated merger rules by 2026 to modernise competition laws
The UKās Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is reviewing its approach to merger assessments and outdated market rules. By early 2026, it plans to scrap 37 historic remedies, arguing that some have become unnecessary due to technological progress. The regulator is also examining how well current measures still address competition concerns.
A separate call for evidence on rivalry-enhancing efficiencies in mergers will remain open until 26 February 2026.
In December 2025, the CMA announced plans to remove 37 obsolete merger remedies. Many of these rules, introduced under the Fair Trading Act 1973 and the Enterprise Act 2002, are over a decade old. A consultation on the proposal ran until 7 January 2026.
The review focuses heavily on travel and financial services. The CMA argues that advances in technology have made some restrictions redundant. However, remedies still tackling active competition issuesāsuch as those in funeral services and energy tariffsāwill remain in place. Alongside this, the CMA is assessing 60% of its existing market remedies to check their effectiveness. The regulator aims to keep only those delivering measurable impact, aligning with its push for faster, more predictable processes. A separate review is also underway on how mergers can boost competition. The CMA has launched a call for evidence on rivalry-enhancing efficiencies, with submissions accepted until 26 February 2026. This forms part of broader efforts to modernise its approach to merger control.
The CMAās review will lead to the removal of outdated rules by early 2026. Travel and financial services are the main sectors affected, while essential remedies in other areas will stay. The regulatorās focus remains on ensuring that only effective, up-to-date measures remain in force.
