Jul 27, 2026 – 5.00amCar dealers say they are the unintended victims of new merger oversight rules designed to ensure large acquisitions cannot proceed without tougher regulatory scrutiny, warning that the rules unfairly capture small and medium family-owned businesses that pose no competition risks.As of January 1, businesses are required to notify the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission of proposed acquisitions that meet specific turnover thresholds and secure its approval before a deal can proceed.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles