Consumer base, user data likely to determine CCI scrutiny of digital M&As

Mergers of digital businesses may face scrutiny by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) only if they have a critical level of a consumer base and user data, and have signed deals and received payments because such parameters will determine “significant business operations” in India, said CCI chief Ashok Kumar Gupta in an interview.

Significant business operation is a key condition to impose deal-value criteria proposed in the Competition Bill, targeting global digital mergers and acquisitions.

The Bill, tabled in the Lok Sabha during the just concluded monsoon session of Parliament, has been referred to the Standing Committee of Finance, led by