UK Introduces New Thresholds for National Security Mergers

On March 15, 2018, the UK Government published new merger thresholds to allow greater intervention in transactions raising national security concerns.

The new thresholds will apply to firms that develop or produce items for military use, computer hardware, or quantum technology. The Government will be able to intervene in mergers in these sectors where the target’s UK turnover exceeds £1 million or the target has a UK share of supply of at least 25% (even where that share will not increase following the merger).