What minimum combined global turnover must be met for the CCD tests to apply?

The correct choice indicates that the minimum combined global turnover for applying the CCD (Competition and Consumer Protection) tests is 5 billion EUR. This threshold is significant because it is established to ensure that the tests are applied to transactions that have a substantial impact on competition in the market. The requirement for a 5 billion EUR turnover ensures that the resources and regulatory scrutiny associated with the CCD tests are reserved for larger transactions that could potentially create monopolistic behaviors or significantly alter competitive dynamics.

Transactions below this threshold are generally considered to have a lesser impact on market competition, thus allowing regulatory bodies to focus their efforts and resources on more consequential mergers and acquisitions. In this context, the implementation of the CCD test is designed to balance the need for effective competition with the administrative burden on companies, ensuring that only transactions with meaningful economic implications undergo the rigorous review associated with the competition laws.