Vincent Mussche, competition partner and merger control specialist at Brussels based law firm Liedekerke, will first present very practical tips and tricks to effectively tackle the traditional challenges that come with merger filing preparation, including guidance on notification strategy, document creation management, SPA drafting tips and use of clean teams. As the presentation will focus on merger filings with the European Commission, Vincent will also run us through the envisaged reform of the EU Merger control rules. In the second part of the webinar, Vincent will share valuable insights on how to avoid competition pitfalls in both the creation and operating of JVs. Both parts of the presentation will be presented in a “10 practical questions” format. Part 1: Taking the sting out of merger filing preparation 1. What is the importance of effective document creation management? 2.Is the transaction notifiable? 3.Where do we need to file? 4.How to start the substantive assessment? 5.When do we need to file? 6.How long do we have to wait? 7.When can we close? 8.Which information can be exchanged? 9.What are the SPA drafting tips? 10. What is the upcoming EU merger control rules review? Part 2: Competition pitfalls in JV structures 1. Is the JV full-functional? 2. When is a JV jointly controlled? 3. Are the merger control thresholds exceeded? 4.When can a JV benefit from simplified merger review? 5.How to deal with gun-jumping challenges for notifiable greenfield JVs? 6.When do we need clean teams to discuss JV plans ? 7.What is the timeline for merger clearance? 8.Can the JV agree on non-competes? 9.When is there a need for firewalls? 10. Can the JV jointly purchase with its parents companies? There will be a Q&A session at the end of the seminar.