Merger control limits the freedom in company mergers, as the concentration of economic power may endanger competition.

In the area of cartel and controls involving the abuse of a dominant position, the focus is on developing rules for economic activity so as to ensure effective competition in the market.

Competition law, which is regulated in the German Law against Unfair Competition (Gesetz gegen den unlauteren Wettbewerb - UWG), limits the scope of activity amongst companies in many respects, particularly in the area of advertisement.