Concentration Permit from the AMCU obtained: WinnerLex ensured compliance with antitrust legislation requirements within the framework of Ukraine’s forestry reform

Concentration permit from the AMCU in Line with EU Standards

We are pleased to announce another successful case handled by the attorneys of WinnerLex Law Firm, one with significant national economic importance.

The procedure for obtaining concentration permits from the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine (AMCU) was conducted by WinnerLex lawyers specializing in antitrust and competition law. It provided for the merger of a number of state-owned forestry enterprises across Ukraine into the State Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine” as part of forest sector reform aimed at further integration of Ukraine into the European Union.

Ukraine’s candidate status for EU accession requires the adoption of European approaches to the management of state-owned forestry enterprises — specifically, enhancing transparency, increasing investment levels, and financing reforestation in accordance with EU standards, where these indicators significantly exceed current Ukrainian levels. To meet these goals, a business concentration was carried out, enabling the creation of an effective and transparent forest management model aligned with European standards.

The reorganization of the concentration objects was driven by the need to:

• optimize the management structure and operation of state-owned business entities in the forestry sector;
• improve personnel policy through managerial optimization, reduce administrative costs, and incentivize qualified forestry professionals;
• create a favorable investment environment for the rational use of forest resources;
• fulfill Ukraine’s international commitments to reform its forestry sector according to EU standards;
• implement modern information technologies in forest inventory and management;
• strengthen Ukraine’s energy security;
• effectively support the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and enhance national defense capabilities;
• promote sustainable and efficient development of the forestry sector.

The lack of reform in the forestry sector leads to an 8.5% drop in the production of wood-processing and furniture goods, a 0.15% slowdown in industrial growth, a 0.1% decrease in GDP, and budget losses of approximately UAH 185 million. Job losses, declining exports, and reduced business activity have further amplified the negative consequences of reform delays. The burden of responsibility and the scale of this case made the merger of forestry enterprises particularly important and complex, requiring high-level legal expertise and experience.

How the lawyers of WinnerLex Law Firm obtained concentration permit

The service of obtaining a concentration permit and approval of concerted actions was provided by the experienced attorneys of WinnerLex Law Firm, representing a crucial stage in the process of mergers and acquisitions. Our team of professionals provides full legal support for procedures related to filing applications with the AMCU, including legal advice on antitrust matters, document preparation, and client representation at all stages of the review. We help ensure legal compliance, assess potential risks, and assist in avoiding antitrust violations, thereby enabling effective and secure business operations both nationally and internationally.

This case serves as a prime example of how the professionalism and expertise of WinnerLex attorneys enable the resolution of complex legal matters, contribute to the successful execution of business transactions, and ensure compliance with both national and international legal standards.

The positive outcome in securing concentration permits from the AMCU was made possible through the expert legal support of WinnerLex’s antitrust and competition law practice, led by Managing Partner Anna Vinnychenko, throughout all stages of the project.