In the third quarter of 2024, 11 720 concentrations of undertakings were registered in Georgia, - according to the information of the Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency.
As of the identified data, in 11 692 cases, the joint income of the parties participating in the registered concentrations did not meet the criteria necessary for the origination of the obligation of prior notification in the part of the annual turnover. 28 cases met the criteria, however, 22 of them fell under the exceptions and were exempted from the notification obligation due to exceptions defined by competition law.
As for 6 cases, according to the data gathered, there was probably an obligation to notify the Agency regarding the concentration in prior. Accordingly, the Agency started proceedings against the mentioned undertakings.
In case of bypassing the Competition Agency subject to the mandatory notification, before the Agency reviews the notification or despite the negative conclusion, the person with the obligation to submit the notification shall be fined.
Concentration is subject to notification to the Agency if the aggregate (total) joint income of its participants on the territory of Georgia, exceeds 20 million GEL and the joint income of at least two persons participating in the concentration exceeds 5 million GEL for the previous financial year. Implementing the concentration without prior notification to the Agency may result in a fine of up to 5% of the annual turnover of the previous year. The fee for reviewing a concentration notice is GEL 5,000.
For information: In 2024, GCCA verified 47,644 concentrations. During the reporting period, the Agency has approved 5 concentrations. At present, 5 concentrations are being assessed for compatibility with the competitive environment, and in 6 cases, administrative proceedings were initiated.
