ICLG | Merger Control Laws and Regulations 2026

Pedro de Gouveia e Melo and Dzhamil Oda author the Portugal chapter in the 2026 edition of ICLG – Merger Control Laws and Regulations, published by the Global Legal Group.

The chapter provides a comprehensive analysis of the merger control regime in Portugal, setting out the national legislation and its interaction with European Union law. The authors explain the applicable jurisdictional thresholds, the substantive tests used by the Portuguese Competition Authority in the assessment of transactions, and the way in which the relevant markets are defined and analysed.

Particular emphasis is placed on concentrations in the digital sector, especially those involving platforms, data-driven business models and innovation-focused projects, reflecting the way in which the Portuguese Competition Authority has been strengthening its scrutiny of these market dynamics.

The chapter also explores in detail the notification mechanisms, the applicable forms and procedures, the review timelines and the consequences of non-compliance with mandatory notification rules, including the prohibition on prior implementation, the risk of significant fines and the potential nullity or ineffectiveness of transactions carried out without clearance.

Read the full chapter here.