China: State Administration for Market Regulation closes consultation on draft guidelines on review of non-horizontal concentration of undertakings

On 16 July 2025, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) closes the consultation on the draft guidelines on the review of non-horizontal concentrations of undertakings. The draft guidelines were developed to standardise the review process for non-horizontal concentrations, increase transparency, and improve the predictability of competitive impact assessments by anti-monopoly agencies. The draft guidelines provide a framework for evaluating concentrations between undertakings in different markets, including vertical (supply chain) and conglomerate (adjacent/complementary activities) relationships. The draft guidelines cover procedures for identifying relevant markets, setting market share thresholds, analysing single-firm and coordinated effects, and assessing potential foreclosure scenarios. This initiative builds on previous horizontal concentration guidelines and includes case examples.