Tbilisi (GBC) - The Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency (GCCA) has concluded its merger control assessment regarding the acquisition of a 25% equity stake in LLC “Ei Energy” by LLC “Peri.” Following a comprehensive market investigation, the GCCA declared the transaction compatible with a competitive market environment.

As part of the assessment, the Agency examined the relevant product markets for the construction of residential and non-residential buildings, as well as the construction of hydroelectric power plants. The GCCA also evaluated potential horizontal overlaps in the market for the construction of solar power plants.

The market analysis established that the target undertaking is not currently active in the construction of solar power plants, maintaining only a prospective project in this sector. Consequently, the transaction is not expected to alter the market’s Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI). Furthermore, solar power plant construction accounted for a negligible share of LLC “Peri”’s aggregate service volume in Georgia in 2025. In view of these findings, the Agency concluded that a more detailed assessment of this market was unnecessary.

Regarding the construction of hydroelectric power plants, the overall market volume reached GEL 596,476,037 in 2025, with an HHI of 525.8, indicating a low-concentration market structure. The Agency's evaluation confirmed that the concentration results in no change to the market structure

Regarding the market for the construction of residential and non-residential buildings, 286 undertakings operated in the sector in 2025. Total market volume amounted to GEL 3,521,049,167, with an HHI of 938.85, reflecting a moderately concentrated market. The Agency confirmed that the proposed transaction will not alter the market structure or competitive dynamics.

On the basis of this analysis, the Agency concluded that the concentration does not significantly affect competition in the relevant markets and is compatible with the competitive environment.

FYI: In accordance with Georgian legislation, concentration is subject to notification to the Agency if the aggregate (total) joint income of its participants on the territory of Georgia, exceeds 20 million GEL and the joint income of at least two persons participating in the concentration exceeds 5 million GEL for the previous financial year. In case of bypassing the Competition Agency subject to the mandatory notification, before the Agency reviews the notification or despite the negative conclusion, the person with the obligation to submit the notification shall be fined.

In 2026, the GCCA approved a total of 13 concentrations.