1. Who is in charge of merger control in Albania?
The authority in charge of merger control in Albania is Competition Authority of Albania, based in Tirana.
2. What are the merger filing thresholds in Albania?
The Albanian merger control regime is triggered if either of the following two alternative thresholds is exceeded:
- The combined worldwide turnover of the parties exceeds ALL 7 billion (approx. EUR 70 million) and the Albanian turnover of at least one party exceeds ALL 200 million (approximately EUR 2 million); or
- The combined Albanian turnover of the parties exceeds ALL 400 million (approx. EUR 4 million) and the Albanian turnover of at least one party exceeds ALL 200 million (approx. EUR 2 million).
3. Is merger filing in Albania mandatory?
Yes, notification is compulsory once thresholds are met, and there is a standstill (suspension) obligation until clearance.
4. Can the merger filing threshold be exceeded even if the target has no sales in Albania?
Yes – foreign‑to‑foreign transactions can be notifiable if the turnover thresholds are met.
5. What are the merger notification deadlines in Albania?
Notifiable concentrations must be notified to the Albanian competition authority within 30 days of the relevant triggering event (e.g., conclusion of the agreement).
6. What is the merger filing fee for a Phase I clearance in Albania?
The merger filing fee in Albania is approximately EUR 2,500-5,000.
7. Is there a short-form merger notification in Albania?
Yes, Albania has simplified/fast‑track handling for certain concentrations,
8. How long does a Phase I procedure last in Albania?
Phase I lasts 25 working days from the working day following the confirmation of receipt of a complete notification for qualifying fast‑track cases; otherwise, Phase I lasts two months from the working day following the confirmation of receipt of a complete notification. Actual clearance timelines may vary in practice; for recent experience, please feel free to reach out to Dragan Gajin, Head of Competition at Doklestic Repic & Gajin.
9. How long does a Phase II procedure last in Albania?
Generally, Phase II lasts up to three months from the start of the in‑depth investigation (with a possible extension in certain circumstances).
10. What are the sanctions for gun-jumping in Albania?
Implementing the transaction before clearance (breach of the standstill obligation) can lead to fines of up to 10% of annual turnover.
Need a quick filing check for Albania?If you would like a quick initial assessment of whether your transaction may trigger a merger notification in Albania, please contact Dragan Gajin, Head of Competition at Doklestic Repic & Gajin. |