Private‑equity lawyers say the European Commission’s draft merger guidelines could make cross‑border deals easier. Mary Wilks of Proskauer argues the rules aim to lift EU competitiveness while trimming procedural hurdles that have slowed recent buyouts. The draft also clarifies exemptions for joint ventures, easing cross‑border innovation collaborations. Analysts expect the language to favour transactions that preserve jobs and technology.

Bridgepoint is moving its ATIC platform into the aerospace and defence (A&D) niche via a merger with NMi Group, a specialist in mission‑critical engineering services. The integration broadens Bridgepoint’s portfolio, helping it tap post‑pandemic defence spending spikes. EQT has lodged a final proposal to take Intertek private, a clear bid to consolidate the testing and certification market.

Investors will watch how the draft rules influence deal pacing, especially for mid‑size buyouts that sit near the new revenue thresholds. If the Commission’s approach proves flexible, firms like Bridgepoint and EQT could accelerate fundraising and close transactions faster than rivals hindered by stricter scrutiny. The current filings suggest the EU is nudging private equity toward a more firmly active role in strategic sectors.