Jersey’s new merger rules take effect today
Jersey’s new merger control rules come into force today, Sunday 1 November 2026, changing how mergers with a link to the island are checked. The Competition (Mergers and Acquisitions) (Jersey) Order 2026 replaces the 2010 Order, the biggest shake-up of the island’s competition rules since 2005. The Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA) calls the new system simpler and more focused on local markets.
The old test looked at a deal’s share of the market; from today, a turnover test decides whether it needs JCRA approval before completing. Approval is needed when the firms involved have combined turnover of £5 million or more, and at least two of them each have Jersey turnover of £2 million or more. Turnover means sales to customers in Jersey in the most recent financial year.
The JCRA can “call in” a below-threshold deal with a real link to Jersey if it could seriously harm competition there. It must tell the firms within 30 working days of the earliest of three triggers: the deal being announced, the JCRA learning of it, or six months after the agreement takes effect. Firms then generally have 10 working days to apply. The JCRA says it expects to use this power only in limited cases.
The change follows a law passed by Jersey’s parliament in November 2025, in force since 1 May 2026. The JCRA consulted businesses from 23 June to 4 August 2026 and published guidelines on 1 October 2026. Investigations and fees are unchanged.
Why it matters
The new test is easier to work out: a deal either passes the turnover figures or it does not, instead of depending on a judgement about market share. That should cut red tape for small deals and focus the JCRA on mergers that matter most to Jersey shoppers and firms. But small deals in markets with few suppliers could still be called in. Firms should check the thresholds early and can ask the JCRA for an early view through a short briefing note.
What happens next
From today, a deal that meets the turnover test must get JCRA approval before it completes. Deals under review under the old 2010 Order will continue under those arrangements for up to three years. The JCRA has urged firms to contact it early with any questions.
This article is for general information and education only. It is not legal or financial advice.
Sources
- https://www.jcra.je/media/bten30d5/jcra-merger-control-press-release.pdf (Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority, 1 October 2026)
- https://www.ogier.com/news-and-insights/insights/jersey-competition-law-new-merger-control-regime-from-1-november-2026/ (Ogier, 27 October 2026)
- https://channeleye.media/jerseys-new-merger-rules-take-effect-on-1-november-what-businesses-need-to-know/ (Channel Eye, 6 October 2026)
