Combinations include mergers, amalgamations and acquisition of control, shares, voting rights or assets. Combinations are classified into horizontal, vertical and conglomerate combinations. If a proposed combination causes or is likely to cause appreciable adverse effect on competition, it cannot be permitted to take effect.

Horizontal combinations are those that are between rivals and are most likely to cause appreciable adverse effect on competition. Vertical combinations are those that are between enterprises that are at different stages of the production chain and are less likely to cause appreciable adverse effect on competition. Conglomerate combinations are those that are between enterprises not in the same line of business or in the same relevant market and are least likely to cause appreciable adverse effect on competition.

The scrutiny of a combination under the Act is usually expected to take place before it comes into effect with an idea of preventing a possible anti-competitive behaviour which may adversely affect the consumers. Combinations likely to have an anti-competitive effect can be permitted after such effects are removed by modifications.