Saudi Merger and Acquisitions in 2025: Q3 Sees 4.1-Day Review Average
Saudi Arabia’s competition authority continues to make waves in the MENA region’s deal-making landscape. With a record pace of filings and a sharp drop in review times, Saudi Merger and Acquisitions in 2025 are setting new benchmarks for regulatory efficiency and clarity. Q3 data reveals a system that’s not only active but increasingly agile.
300 Filings in 9 Months: Saudi Arabia Nears Annual Record
As of the end of Q3 2025, the General Authority for Competition (GAC) had received 300 merger filings. A figure that nearly matches the full-year totals from 2022 to 2024. This sustained volume is especially significant given that the GAC has twice raised its turnover thresholds and introduced new exemptions to reduce unnecessary filings. Despite these measures, the high number of submissions reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a regional M&A powerhouse.
Q3 Review Time Drops to 4.1 Days: Fastest on Record
One of the most striking developments in Saudi Merger and Acquisitions in 2025 is the acceleration of the review process. In Q3, the GAC reported an average review time of just 4.1 days, down from 5.6 days in Q2 and 8 days in Q1. This trend points to a more responsive and streamlined regulatory environment, giving businesses greater predictability and speed in deal execution.
While the statutory review period begins only after a filing is deemed complete, the GAC has also shortened the pre-acceptance phase by reducing documentation requirements. This dual-track efficiency has made the entire process from submission to clearance noticeably faster.
Only 2 Conditional Approvals in 2025 So Far
Despite the high volume of filings, the GAC has issued only two conditional approvals in the first three quarters of 2025. This continues a trend of minimal intervention, with just three conditional approvals issued in all of 2023. Most transactions are either cleared outright or dismissed for not meeting the filing threshold, suggesting that the majority of deals pose no significant competition concerns.
Enforcement Continues: SAR 800,000 in Fines for Non-Compliance
While the GAC has streamlined its processes, it remains firm on enforcement. In 2024, the authority fined two companies a combined SAR 800,000 (approximately USD 213,000) for failing to file premerger notifications. This underscores the importance of compliance, even as the system becomes more business-friendly.
Updated Guidelines Clarify Thresholds and Exemptions
In April 2025, the GAC released the 5th edition of its Economic Concentration Review Guidelines, offering updated clarity on notification thresholds. The new guidelines introduced differentiated thresholds for acquisitions and added exemptions for certain joint ventures and investment fund transactions. These changes aim to reduce unnecessary filings while maintaining oversight of deals that could impact market competition.
Saudi Merger and Acquisitions in 2025 Reflect a Maturing Ecosystem
The Q3 data paints a clear picture: Saudi Merger and Acquisitions in 2025 are not only growing in volume but also maturing in process. With faster reviews, clearer rules, and consistent enforcement, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a leader in M&A regulation across the MENA region. For businesses eyeing expansion or consolidation, the Kingdom offers a regulatory environment that is both robust and responsive.
Also Read: MENA Merger Trends: Saudi Clears Deals in 4.1 Days
