The concept of a "branch of activity" in the EC Merger Directive and issues regarding its implementation in Portugal

In this article, the author first considers the concept of a "branch of activity" defined in the EC Merger Directive, especially in respect of the various uncertainties that exist regarding the interpretation of this concept, and the case law of the European Court of Justice. In this context, the author then examines the concept of a "branch of activity" with reference to Portugal's experience of its implementation.