This online course on merger control provides expert insights into the competition and regulatory challenges raised by M&As in digital markets.
Firms active in digital markets have proven remarkably active in mergers and acquisitions (M&As), constantly seeking to absorb companies — especially new start-ups — with a view to expanding their ecosystem while consolidating their market share.
One common concern raised by M&As is that such transactions might have the objective to prevent the acquired company from becoming a competitive threat: this is particularly relevant in the context of digital markets, where firms compete for the market rather than in the market and where competition from small market players is essential to discipline incumbent’s behaviour. Moreover, most of the M&As happen beyond the radar of competition authorities as the majority of these transactions do not reach the thresholds that trigger merger control.
After completing our course, you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle emerging challenges for competition professionals and policymakers.
Is your knowledge of merger control up to date? Take this quiz to discover it!
Deepen your understanding of the structure and substance of the EU merger control regime;
Sharpen the critical tools necessary to master merger cases and overcome challenges at work;
Bring to your organisation an improved and multi-disciplinary understanding of competitive dynamics and merger control issues in digital markets;
Get up to date with the latest enforcement cases as well as regulatory and legislative developments;
Share knowledge with attendees from other sectors and industries;
Expand your network of professionals who share similar but also complementary interests and expertise.
The online course is delivered on an online platform where participants can meet and interact with instructors.
The training adopts a multidisciplinary approach, allowing participants to gain a combination of theoretical and practical skills whilst promoting creative thinking.
Each module consists of dedicated reading materials, self-evaluation assessments, discussions, complementary video lectures, and interactive live classes. Recordings will be available shortly after each live class.
The course is designed for professionals interested in gaining in-depth knowledge over a short period of time, with a background in law or economics, including:
Officials from National Competition Authorities (NCAs), National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) and other public bodies
In-house lawyers and legal counsels
Economic consultants
Policy and decision-makers
Academics
Continuing Professional Development
Italy
Attendance in the course entitles participants to 10 professional development credits by the Italian Bar Council. Please note that credits recognised by the Italian Bar Council will be valid in other countries with which the Council has stipulated reciprocity agreements, including Spain, Ireland, France and Germany.
Other countries
If you need assistance in liaising with your bar association for accreditation, please contact digital.society@eui.eu and we will gladly assist with the process.
At the end of the course, participants can earn two types of certificates depending on their level of engagement and performance throughout the course.
Level 1: Certificate of Attendance
Awarded to all participants.
Level 2: Certificate of Excellence
Awarded to participants who complete the weekly assignments on time and take an active part in most of the live classes (at least 4 out of 5) as well as group discussions.
Early bird fees: 1200 €. Valid until 21 January 2023.
In order to benefit from the early bird discount, both registration and payment of the course fee must be settled by 21 January 2022.
Discounted fees for National Regulatory Authorities, National Competition Authorities, and donors of the Centre for a Digital Society: 1200 €
General course fees: 1500 €
Cancellation policy
Please note that the course fees will not be reimbursed in case of cancellation after the course start.
The course is organised in partnership with UNCTAD.
In light of this cooperation, the UNCTAD Secretariat will assign three free seats to officials from National Competition Authorities (NCA) of the Least Developed Countries.
Interested Competition Authorities are invited to convey their proposed candidates to Teresa Moreira, Head of the Competition and Consumer Policies Branch of UNCTAD, through Jacqueline Bouvier at Jacqueline.bouvier@unctad.org
NCAs representatives that are not eligible for the fee waivers may benefit in any case from the reduced enrolment fee to this training program. In addition, the Centre for a Digital Society is open to granting further reductions for group enrolments.
