China’s new antitrust rules could increase Big Tech scrutiny, adding hurdles to startup acquisitions

Under the new rules, companies valued at US$120mil or more would need regulatory approval for M&A deals involving firms with US$15bil in revenue. The proposed rules from China’s market regulator come ahead of the revised Anti-Monopoly Law taking effect in August. — SCMP

Several new draft antitrust rules released by China’s market regulator threaten to place additional restrictions on the country’s Big Tech firms ahead of an updated Anti-Monopoly Law taking effect.

Under one of six proposed rules released by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) on Monday, a planned merger or acquisition will need regulatory approval if it involves one company with revenue surpassing 100bil yuan (US$14.9bil or RM65.64bil) and another with a valuation of at least 800mil yuan (RM524.45mil).