August 2022

General antitrust

The South African Competition Authority and the Egyptian Competition Authority join forces to strengthen anti-monopoly competition laws
South African Competition Commission (Pretoria)
South African and Egyptian Competition Authorities join forces to strengthen anti-monopoly competition laws* The Competition Commission South Africa this morning, 31 August 2022, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Egyptian Competition Authority to establish a general (...)

The German Competition Authority publishes report on non-search online advertising for public discussion
German Competition Authority (Bonn)
Bundeskartellamt publishes report on non-search online advertising for public discussion* In the context of its sector inquiry into non-search online advertising the Bundeskartellamt has today published a report for public discussion. Online advertising is not a uniform product. In the (...)

The Hong Kong Competition Authority issues advice on employers’ joint negotiations with employee bodies on employment matters
Hong Kong Competition Commission (Hong Kong)
Competition Commission advises on employers’ joint negotiations with employee bodies on employment matters* The Competition Commission (“Commission”) today published an Advisory Bulletin to provide guidance on how the Competition Ordinance (“Ordinance”) applies to the conduct of employers in (...)

The US FTC passes omnibus resolutions expanding its powers to investigate proposed mergers and potentially unlawful collusive conduct
Hogan Lovells (Washington)
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Hogan Lovells (Washington)
On 26 August 2022 the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) continued its recent trend of expanding its ability to initiate new investigations, announcing that it approved omnibus resolutions that will allow the agency to automatically seek compulsory process in: (1) investigations related to (...)

The EU Commission publishes market study on hotel distribution practices
European Commission - DG COMP (Brussels)
Antitrust: Commission publishes market study on hotels’ distribution practices* The European Commission published today the results of an external market study on the distribution practices of hotels in the EU. The market study was conducted in 2021 and covers the period between 2017 and (...)

The Irish Competition Authority seeks views of businesses which use online platforms to sell to consumers
Irish Competition Authority (Dublin)
CCPC seeks views of businesses who use online platforms to sell to consumers* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has launched an online survey targeted at businesses who use online platforms to offer goods or services to consumers. These platforms could include online (...)

The Australian Competition Authority issues a report which reveals the market share growth of smaller telecommunication companies
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (Canberra)
Smaller telcos continue to increase broadband market share* Smaller broadband providers increased their market share in the NBN wholesale market in the June quarter 2022, and a record number of telcos now have their networks connected to the NBN at all of the available physical locations, (...)

The Georgian Competition Authority opens a market inquiry into the motor fuel market
Georgian Competition Authority (Georgia)
The National Competition Agency has opened an investigation into the motor fuel market* Based on the recommendation of the Prime Minister of Georgia and the results of the 2022 monitoring, the National Competition Agency has started an investigation into the motor fuel market. The goal of (...)

The Portuguese Competition Authority publishes a paper on competition and purchasing power in times of inflation
Portuguese Competition Authority (Lisbon)
AdC publishes paper on competition and purchasing power in times of inflation* The Portuguese Competition Authority (AdC) published a paper emphasizing the role competition can play in protecting purchasing power in times of inflation. Even if competition policy is not intended to address (...)

The Italian Parliament sees its 2021 Annual Law for the Market and Competition enter into force allowing, for below-threshold merger review, rebuttable presumption of economic dependence, and expanded investigatory powers
Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
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Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
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Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
On 27 August 2022, the 2021 Annual Law for the Market and Competition (the “Law”) entered into force. Its most significant changes include the right of the Italian Competition Authority (“ICA”) to review mergers below the notification thresholds, the introduction of a rebuttable presumption of (...)

The Italian Parliament amends competition law with the 2021 Annual Competition law scheduled to enter into force in August 2022
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton (Milan)
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Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton (Milan)
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Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton (London)
On August 5, 2022, the Italian Parliament adopted Law No. 118, the “2021 Annual Competition Law” (the “ACL”). The ACL, which will enter into force on August 27, 2022, amends the Italian Competition Law (Law No. 287/90) to further align the Italian antitrust law to EU rules, which have (...)

The Italian Parliament amends competition law with the 2021 Annual Market & Competition Law scheduled to enter into force in August 2022
Bocconi University (Milan)
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Hogan Lovells (Milan)
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Hogan Lovells (Milan)
Strengthening of the powers of the Italian Competition Authority (Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato) (“ICA”) Mergers The Competition Law amends the test applied by the ICA for the assessment of mergers by aligning it with the test adopted at the EU level. In particular, the (...)

The Italian Parliament amends the Italian Competition Law following the adoption of the 2021 Annual Competition Law
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton (London)
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Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton (Milan)
On August 5, 2022, the Italian Parliament adopted Law No. 118, the “2021 Annual Competition Law” (the “ACL”). The ACL, which will enter into force on August 27, 2022, amends the Italian Competition Law (Law No. 287/90) in various respects. In particular, it: introduces the possibility for the (...)

The Polish Competition Authority initiates an extensive investigation into the market for hard coal to examine the rules for distribution and existence of restrictive competition in the market
Polish Competition Authority (Warsaw)
Coal: President of UOKiK initiates an investigation procedure* The President of UOKiK, Tomasz Chróstny, initiated an investigation procedure in connection with the situation on the hard coal market. An extensive market investigation is being conducted with the support of the Trade Inspection (...)

Anticompetitive practices

The UK Competition Appeal Tribunal issues an opt-out certification decision in a class action filed against a Big Tech company (Liz Coll / Google)
Hausfeld (London)
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Hausfeld (London)
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Hausfeld (London)
On 31 August 2022, the Competition Appeal Tribunal released its judgment in Elizabeth Helen Coll v Alphabet Inc. and Others [2022] CAT 39, which confirms that consumer champion Liz Coll is authorised to bring an opt-out collective claim against Google for alleged competition law infringements (...)

The New Caledonian Competition Authority fines six companies for signing exclusive import agreements in the medical devices sector (Médi-Services / Medline / Thermo Fisher Diagnostics / Medicrea International / Sebia / Baxter)
New Caledonia Competition Authority (Noumea)
Sanctions in the medical devices sector for exclusive import agreement practices (decision no. 2022-PAC-06 of August 29, 2022)* Under the terms of this decision, the Autorité sanctions the companies Médi-Services, Medline, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics, Medicrea International SAS, Sebia SA and (...)

The Australian Federal Court orders a construction union and construction company to pay penalties of $750,000 and $600,000 respectively for boycott conduct in breach of competition laws (Hutchinson / CFMMEU)
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (Canberra)
CFMEU and Hutchinson to pay penalties for boycott conduct* The Federal Court has today ordered the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) and construction company J Hutchinson Pty Ltd (Hutchinson) to pay penalties of $750,000 and $600,000 respectively for boycott (...)

The US FTC institutes court action against a mobile app company for selling consumer location information (Kochava)
McDermott Will & Emery (Washington)
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McDermott Will & Emery (Boston)
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McDermott Will & Emery (Chicago)
On August 29, 2022, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a lawsuit against Kochava, Inc. alleging that Kochava engaged in unfair and deceptive practices by selling the “precise location information” of consumers. This suit comes on the heels of the FTC’s announcement earlier this month (...)

The Austrian Competition Authority applies to fine the first company in its investigation of the facade construction industry for price fixing, market sharing, and exchange of competitively sensitive information (NFS Bau)
Austrian Competition Authority (Vienna)
Facade construction: AFCA files application to have first company fined* In the course of its investigations into the facade construction industry, the Austrian Federal Competition Authority (AFCA) filed its first application with the Cartel Court on 25 August 2022 to fine one of the (...)

The Czech Competition Authority imposes maximum possible fines on three undertakings suspected of being involved in a cartel agreement for obstructing a dawn raid (Marc spol / Eurotubes / HK steel trading)
Czech Competition Authority (Brno)
The office imposed maximum possible fines for obstruction of a dawn raid* The Office for the Protection of Competition (hereinafter referred to as "the Office") has imposed the maximum possible fines on three undertakings suspected of being involved in a cartel agreement for obstructing a (...)

The Norwegian Competition Authority closes investigation against an industry association for possible exchange of market sensitive information
Norwegian Competition Authority (Bergen)
Closes investigation against industry association* The Norwegian Competition Authority has been investigating an industry association for possible anticompetitive behaviour since 2020. After an overall assessment of the available facts, the Authority has now decided to close the (...)

The Turkish Competition Authority refuses to grant negative clearance to sharing of market information amongst ceramic sanitary ware manufacturers and ceramic tile manufacturers (Ceramic Sanitary Ware Manufacturers Association / Ceramic Tile Manufacturers Association)
Turkish Competition Authority (Ankara)
The Board Decision concerning the request that a negative clearance/exemption be granted to the collection and sharing of certain information about the activities of Ceramic Sanitary Ware Manufacturers Association and Ceramic Tile Manufacturers (20.08.2020) (23.8.2022)* As a result of the (...)

The Hellenic Competition Authority fines nine companies in the cooling and heating systems sector over €1.1M for resale price maintenance (Clima Control / Helioakmi / AHI Carrier / Amiridis-Savvidis ...)
Hellenic Competition Commission (Athens)
Press Release - fines of €1.167.381,61 on nine companies of cooling and heating systems / appliances* Subject: Decision of the Hellenic Competition Commission to impose fines of the amount of €1.167.381,61 on nine companies operating in the Greek market of cooling and heating systems/ (...)

The Canadian Federal Court of Appeal upholds the Federal Court’s ruling which dismissed a class action damages claim filed against the National Hockey League (Mohr)
Fasken Martineau DuMoulin (Toronto)
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Fasken Martineau DuMoulin (Toronto)
On August 17, 2022, the Federal Court of Appeal (the “FCA”) dismissed the appeal by Kobe Mohr in Mohr v. National Hockey League. In summary, the FCA found that the decision reached by the Federal Court was correct in its conclusion, and that neither s. 48(1) nor s. 45(1) of the Competition Act (...)

The Australian Competition Authority charges a waste management company for price-based antitrust infringements (Bingo Industries)
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (Canberra)
Bingo Industries pleads guilty to alleged demolition waste cartel* Waste company Bingo Industries has today entered pleas of guilty to criminal cartel offences relating to price fixing for demolition waste services in Sydney. Bingo was charged with these offences today after an investigation (...)

The Latvian Competition Authority fines three construction companies for an anticompetitive bid rigging cartel, with two fines reduced for cooperating with the Authority (PK Serviss / Koro Būve / Tavs Laikmets)
Latvian Competition Council (Riga)
The Competition Council fines three construction companies for prohibited agreements in procurement organized by a private contracting entity* On August 4, the Competition Council of Latvia (the CC) adopted a decision, detecting a prohibited agreement between three construction companies on (...)

The Polish Competition Authority deems there to be no anticompetitive conduct in tendering process on the municipal waste market
Polish Competition Authority (Warsaw)
Waste market - actions of the President of UOKiK* The President of UOKiK monitors the municipal waste market on an ongoing basis. The last investigation into this market concerned the verification of whether a tender collusion could have occurred in the Mazowieckie Voivodeship, including (...)

The EU Commission seeks feedback on performance of a block exemption for cooperation agreements between liner shipping consortia
European Commission - DG COMP (Brussels)
Antitrust: Commission seeks feedback on performance of exemption for liner shipping consortia* The European Commission has launched today a call for evidence inviting feedback on the performance of the EU legal framework which exempts liner shipping consortia from EU antitrust rules (...)

The US FTC order the limitation of a non-compete agreement following an acquisition in the retail fuel market (ARKO / Corrigan Oil)
US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (Washington)
FTC Approves Final Order Restoring Competitive Markets for Gasoline and Diesel in Michigan and Ohio* Order requires ARKO Corp. to Limit Noncompetes and Return Five Retail Fuel Outlets to Corrigan Oil Company Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a (...)

The UK Competition Appeal Tribunal overturns the Competition Authority’s wide "Most Favoured Nation" decision (ComparetheMarket)
Clifford Chance (London)
Background In November 2020, the CMA issued a Decision against CTM and imposed a c. £18m penalty. The Decision took issue with contractual obligations known as wide most favoured nation clauses (wide MFNs), which were imposed by CTM in its agreements with certain home insurers. These clauses (...)

The US DoJ strikes plea deals with two companies which conspired to rig bids on piping and insulation projects in Connecticut (BC Flynn Contracting / Axion Specialty Contracting)
US Department of Justice (Washington)
Two Companies Plead Guilty in Bid Rigging Scheme for Insulation Contracts* These are the Sixth and Seventh Defendants to Plead Guilty in this Investigation BC Flynn Contracting Corp. (BC Flynn) and Axion Specialty Contracting LLC (Axion) pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in (...)

The Brazilian Competition Authority finds three companies guilty of cartel activity in the distribution and resale of LP gas (Nacional Gás Butano Distribuidora / Revendedora de Gás da Paraíba / Frazão Distribuidora de Gás)
Brazilian Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) (Brasilia)
CADE finds three companies guilty of cartelisation in the distribution and resale of LP gas* Fines reach over BRL 600 million On 3 August, the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) found the companies Nacional Gás Butano Distribuidora, Revendedora de Gás da Paraíba, and Frazão (...)

The New Zealand Competition Authority authorises a group of chicken growers to engage in collective bargaining (Tegel Growers Association)
New Zealand Commerce Commission (Wellington)
Commerce Commission authorises New Zealand Tegel Growers Association to engage in collective bargaining* The Commerce Commission (Commission) has granted authorisation to allow the New Zealand Tegel Growers Association Incorporated (TGA) to collectively negotiate on behalf of its members the (...)

The Hong Kong Competition Authority consults on proposal to accept commitments offered by seven car distributors
Hong Kong Competition Commission (Hong Kong)
Competition Commission consults on proposal to accept commitments offered by seven car distributors* The Competition Commission (“Commission”) today commenced a consultation on its proposal under section 60 of the Competition Ordinance (“Ordinance”) to accept legally-binding commitments (...)

The US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit rejects a "patent thicket" allegation against a pharmaceutical company, on the claim of prevention of market entry (AbbVie)
Constantine Cannon (New York)
This article has been nominated for the 2023 Antitrust Writing Awards. Click here to learn more about the Antitrust Writing Awards. Seventh Circuit’s Rejection of Insurers’ Monopolization Case is Not the Final Word on “Patent Thicket” Litigation* The theory that patent holders can be held (...)

The EU Court of Justice delivers a preliminary ruling on the interpretation of the product scope of a cartel, with practical significance for follow-on damages actions before national courts (Daimler / DAF Trucks)
McDermott Will & Emery (Paris)
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McDermott Will & Emery (Brussels)
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McDermott Will & Emery (Paris)
On August 1, 2022 the EU Court of Justice (CJEU) gave a preliminary ruling on the interpretation of the product scope of a cartel found to exist by the EU Commission (EC) in its Decision dated July 19, 2016, C (2016) 4673 final, in Case AT.39824 – Trucks (the Decision). This Decision led (...)

Unilateral Practices

The Turkish Competition Authority fines an online second-hand books company for abuse of dominance (Nadirkitap)
ELIG Gürkaynak Attorneys-at-Law (Istanbul)
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ELIG Gürkaynak Attorneys-at-Law (Istanbul)
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Freedom Now (Washington)
This article has been nominated for the 2023 Antitrust Writing Awards. Click here to learn more about the Antitrust Writing Awards. I. Introduction The Turkish Competition Authority (“ Authority ”) has published its Nadirkitap decision in which it evaluated the allegation as to whether (...)

The Slovak Competition Authority accepts the commitments of the national postal service to remedy competition concerns over discriminatory pricing (Slovenská pošta)
Slovak Competition Authority (Bratislava)
ABUSE OF DOMINANT POSITION: AMO SR issued a commitments decision against the company Slovenská pošta, a.s.* AMO SR imposed on the party to the proceedings the obligation to fulfill commitments. On 14 May 2021 the Antimonopoly Office of the Slovak Republic, the Division of Abuse of Dominant (...)

The Swiss Competition Authority initiates an investigation against a pharmaceutical company based on the allegations concerning refusal to supply products to a Swiss pharmaceutical wholesaler on more favourable terms
Swiss Competition Commission (Bern)
COMCO: Relative market power in healthcare* Bern, 16.08.2022 - The Competition Commission (COMCO) has opened a new investigation. A pharmaceutical company is alleged to have refused to supply products to a Swiss pharmaceutical wholesaler on more favorable terms abroad. If relative market (...)

The Finnish Competition Authority fines a hardware retailer €1.75M for resale price maintenance (Iso­joen Kone­halli)
Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (Helsinki)
The Mar­ket Court im­posed a penalty fee of EUR 1.75 mil­lion on Iso­joen Kone­halli Oy for im­pos­ing re­tailer prices in on­line stores* On 11 August 2022, the Market Court imposed a penalty fee of EUR 1.75 million on the import and hardware store Isojoen Konehalli Oy (IKH) for prohibited (...)

The Australian Federal Court voids 38 contract terms used in contracts entered into by an IT solutions firm with many thousands of small businesses for being unfair (Fujifilm Business Innovation)
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (Canberra)
38 contract terms in 11 Fuji small business contracts declared unfair and void The Federal Court today declared that 38 contract terms used in contracts entered into by Fujifilm Business Innovation Australia or Fujifilm Leasing Australia (together, Fuji) with many thousands of small (...)

The Uk Competition Appeal Tribunal rejects two-sided market analysis for multi-sided platforms (ComparetheMarket)
Constantine Cannon (London)
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Constantine Cannon (New York)
UK Court Rejects Two-Sided Market Analysis for Multi-Sided Platforms* The United Kingdom Competition Appeal Tribunal (the “Tribunal”) has forcefully rejected two-sided market analysis in a well-reasoned judgment that provides a thorough and insightful discussion of how to define markets (...)

The UK Competition Appeal Tribunal issues a decision which sets key considerations for market definition analysis (ComparetheMarket)
Harcus Parker (London)
In a decision by the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) dated 19 November 2020, the CAT fined Comparethemarket (CTM), a price comparison website a fine of £17.9 million for abuse of dominance in the market for price comparison services. CTM abused its position in the market by imposing wide (...)

The UK Competition Appeal Tribunal agrees with the appellant that a fine imposed for anticompetitive MFC clauses should be set aside on the basis that such infringements are not by object anticompetitive and the Competition Authority had failed to prove effects (ComparetheMarket)
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton (London)
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Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton (London)
The UK Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) on 8 August 2022 set aside a £17.9 million fine against price comparison website Compare The Market, criticising the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) legal and evidential assessment of the case. The CAT found that the CMA’s “anecdotal (...)

The UK Competition Appeal Tribunal sets aside the decision of the Competition Authority on MFC clauses on the grounds that it had not demonstrated any appreciable adverse effects on competition to the requisite legal standard (ComparetheMarket)
Herbert Smith Freehills (London)
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Herbert Smith Freehills (London)
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Herbert Smith Freehills (London)
On 8 August 2022 the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) set aside the CMA’s infringement decision in its Compare The Market investigation relating to the use of wide MFN clauses. The CAT concluded that the CMA’s definition of the relevant market in the decision was materially wrong and that (...)

The Polish Competition Authority fines the national market leader in grain exportation for applying unfair contract terms, including penalty payments for failure to supply grain due to force majeure (PolishAgri)
Polish Competition Authority (Warsaw)
Situation on the grain market - actions of the President of UOKiK* UOKiK works actively for the protection of the farmers involved in grain production. In his latest decision, the President of UOKiK has imposed a penalty of over PLN 300,000 on PolishAgri - the leader in grain exports in (...)

The Polish Competition Authority initiates antitrust proceedings against a computer manufacturer for market allocation (Dell)
Polish Competition Authority (Warsaw)
DELL - Charges by president of UOKIK* The President of UOKiK has initiated antitrust proceedings against Dell Sp. z o.o. The entrepreneur may have concluded a competition-restricting agreement with its authorised dealers and distributors. This is subject to a fine of up to 10 percent of the (...)

Mergers

The New Zealand Competition Authority clears the acquisition of a producer of animal drugs by a rival without conditions (Zoetis / Jurox)
New Zealand Commerce Commission (Wellington)
Zoetis cleared to acquire animal healthcare rival Jurox in New Zealand* The Commerce Commission has granted clearance for Zoetis Inc. (Zoetis) to acquire Betrola Pty Limited, which owns the Jurox group of companies (Jurox). Zoetis and Jurox both supply animal health care products. Deputy (...)

The Canadian Competition Authority reaches an agreement with a convenience store chain on the acquisition of gas stations in Atlantic Canada (Alimentation Couche Tard / Wilsons)
Journal of Parliamentary and Political Law (Ottawa)
Introduction Canada’s Competition Bureau (Bureau), which assists the Commissioner of Competition (Commissioner) in the administration and enforcement of the Competition Act (Act), announced on 30 August 2022 that the Commissioner had reached an agreement with Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc (...)

The Australian Competition Authority approves the acquisition of a web-offset printing services in voluntary administration by a market competitor (Ive / Ovato)
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (Canberra)
IVE’s acquisition of Ovato not opposed* The ACCC will not oppose IVE Group’s (ASX: IGL) proposed acquisition of Ovato Limited (ASX: OVT). IVE and Ovato overlap in heatset web-offset printing, which is used to produce a range of printed materials in Australia, including magazines and retail (...)

The Cypriot Competition Authority receives notification of an intended acquisition by a Canadian security company of an American provider of cash support services to banks (Arca Holdings / Garda World Security Corporation)
Commission for the Protection of Competition of the Republic of Cyprus (Nicosia)
Notification of a concentration concerning the acquisition of the share capital of Arca Holdings LLC by Garda World Security Corporation* The Service of the Commission for the Protection of Competition has received a notification of a concentration concerning the proposed acquisition of the (...)

The Canadian Competition Authority approves a merger between two gas retail companies subject to the sale of 46 gas station subsidiaries (Couche-Tard / Wilsons)
Canadian Competition Bureau (Gatineau)
Competition Bureau resolves competition issues with Couche-Tard’s acquisition of Wilsons gas stations in Atlantic Canada* The Competition Bureau announced today that it reached an agreement with Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. and its affiliates related to their proposed acquisition of (...)

The Singaporean Competition Authority consults on the proposed acquisition of a glass and ceramics company by a company engaged in the manufacturing of crucibles for semi-conductor devices (Momq / CoorsTek)
Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (Singapore)
CCCS consults on the Proposed Acquisition by MOMQ Holding Company of CoorsTek KK.’s Crucibles Business* 1. The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (“CCCS”) is inviting public feedback on the proposed acquisition by MOMQ Holding Company (“Momentive”) of CoorsTek KK.’s (...)

The Australian Competition Authority opens consultation on the proposed merger between two grocery suppliers (Woolworths / SUPA IGA Karabar)
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (Canberra)
Consultation opens on Woolworths’ proposed acquisition of SUPA IGA Karabar* The ACCC is seeking views from consumers and businesses in the Queanbeyan area on Woolworths’ proposed acquisition of SUPA IGA Karabar. Woolworths and SUPA IGA Karabar currently compete in supplying groceries in (...)

The Chinese Competition Authority’s local office approves a landmark joint venture transaction to herald the implementation of the pilot merger control devolution which empowers the Authority’s local offices to conduct merger review for simple cases (FAW / Refire)
Hogan Lovells (Beijing)
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Hogan Lovells Fidelity (Shanghai)
Yesterday, on 29 August 2022, clearance for the FAW/Refire joint venture transaction was announced on one of the websites of the Chinese antitrust authority – i.e., the State Administration for Market Regulation. That transaction marks the first case where Chinese merger review was handled by (...)

The Lithuanian Competition Authority prohibits the acquisition of a Lithuanian grain production company by a Latvian grain production company (Baltic Mill / Dobeles dzirnavnieks)
Lithuanian Competition Authority (Vilnius)
Latvian Firm Dobeles Dzirnavnieks does not receive permission to acquire Lithuanian company Baltic Mill* Today the Lithuanian competition authority Konkurencijos taryba refused to clear the acquisition of 100 per cent of the shares and sole control of the Lithuanian company Baltic Mill by (...)

The Portuguese Competition Authority clears the acquisition of a funeral services company by a market competitor (Grupo Catalina Occidente / Grupo Mémora)
Portuguese Competition Authority (Lisbon)
The AdC issued a non-opposition decision to the merger 36/2022 - Grupo Catalana Occidente / Grupo Mémora* On 26 August 2022, the Board of the AdC, using the powers conferred on it by subparagraph d) of paragraph 1 of article 19 of the Articles of Association, approved by Decree-Law n.º (...)

The German Competition Authority receives notification that two shipping companies have abandoned their merger plans following the Authority’s Statement of Objection (China International Marine Containers Group / Maersk)
German Competition Authority (Bonn)
Bundeskartellamt / Manufacture of shipping containers* China International Marine Containers Group abandons its planned acquisition of Maersk Container Industry following concerns expressed by the Bundeskartellamt Bonn, 26 August 2022: The parties have withdrawn the notification of the (...)

The Portuguese Competition Authority issues non-opposition decision to the merger between two internet broadband providers (Fastfiber / Fibroglobal)
Portuguese Competition Authority (Lisbon)
The AdC issued a non-opposition decision to the merger 28/2022 - FastFiber / Fibroglobal* On 26 August 2022, the Board of the AdC, using the powers conferred on it by subparagraph d) of paragraph 1 of article 19 of the Articles of Association, approved by Decree-Law n.º. 125/2014, of 18 (...)

The Australian Competition Authority publishes statement of issues which prevents the conclusion of a merger between two investment companies (Palisade Investment / Port of Geelong)
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (Canberra)
Spirit Super and Palisade Investment Partners Consortium decides not to proceed with Port of Geelong acquisition* The Spirit Super and Palisade Investment Partners Consortium (the Consortium) has withdrawn its request for merger clearance from the ACCC for its proposed acquisition of the (...)

The UK Competition Authority finds that a merger between two waste management services suppliers raises competition concerns, and issues merger remedies (Veolia / Suez)
UK Competition & Markets Authority - CMA (London)
CMA unwinds Veolia / Suez merger in the UK* Prior to the merger, Veolia and Suez were 2 of the largest suppliers of waste management services in the UK. The CMA has today required Veolia to sell 3 businesses after an in-depth merger investigation concluded the merger gives rise to (...)

The Portuguese Competition Authority issues a non-applicability decision to the merger between two hospital infrastructure maintenance service providers (Hygeia / Concessão)
Portuguese Competition Authority (Lisbon)
The AdC issued a decision of non-applicability to the merger 33/2022 - Mota-Engil / Concessão do Hospital de Lisboa Oriental* On 24 August 2022, the Board of Directors of the Competition Authority, in the exercise of the powers conferred on it by subparagraph d) of paragraph 1 of article 19 (...)

The Georgian Competition Authority approves the acquisition of 32 petrol stations owned by 23 undertakings by a national petroleum company (San Petroleum Georgia)
Georgian Competition Authority (Georgia)
The National Competition Agency approved the concentration implemented by the "San Petroleum Georgia"* The National Competition Agency of Georgia approved the concentration implemented in the automotive fuel (petrol, diesel) retailing market. The issue concerns - the acquisition of control (...)

The Argentinian National Court of Appeal rejects an appeal by a major media company which sought to challenge behavioural obligations imposed to limit its sports content offering (Disney / Mediapro / Fox)
Bomchil (Buenos Aires)
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Bomchil (Buenos Aires)
On August 23 the National Court of Appeals in Civil and Commercial Federal Matters decided to reject the appeal filed by Disney against certain behavioral obligations imposed by the Secretariat on the resolution of divestment order and impose of behavioural measures issued on January 22, 2022 (...)

The UK Competition Authority finds that the merger between two dental service providers raises competition concerns in parts of Yorkshire and Derbyshire (Riviera Bidco / Rodericks Dental)
UK Competition & Markets Authority - CMA (London)
Dental merger raises competition concerns in parts of Yorkshire and Derbyshire* An initial investigation by the CMA into an acquisition of dental practices has found competition concerns in parts of Doncaster, Yorkshire and Alfreton, Derbyshire. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) (...)

The Cypriot Competition Authority receives notification from a Guernsey private equity firm of its intention to acquire a German pharmaceutical firm (Permira Holdings / Sanofi)
Commission for the Protection of Competition of the Republic of Cyprus (Nicosia)
Notification of a concentration concerning the acquisition by Permira Holdings Ltd of assets related to the portfolios of central nervous system and pain/cardiology medicinal products which belong to Sanofi S.A, via Laboratorios Lesvi S.L.U.* The Service of the Commission for the Protection (...)

The Cypriot Competition Authority receives notification that a Singaporean investment firm intends to acquire three firms active in the global supply of irrigation products (Jain America Holdings / Naandan Jain Irrigation / Gavish Control System / Temasek Holdings)
Commission for the Protection of Competition of the Republic of Cyprus (Nicosia)
Notification of a concentration concerning the acquisition of the share capital of Jain America Holdings Inc., Naandan Jain Irrigation Ltd and Gavish Control System Ltd, by Temasek Holdings (Private) Ltd, via Rivulis PTE Ltd* The Service of the Commission for the Protection of Competition (...)

The Cypriot Competition Authority receives notification that a Luxembourg-based asset manager intends to take over an arm of a London-listed European public company offering information on commodities (Fastmarkets Euromoney / Astorg)
Commission for the Protection of Competition of the Republic of Cyprus (Nicosia)
Notification of a concentration regarding the acquisition of the Fastmarkets sector of Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC by Astorg VΙΙΙ, SCSp* The Service of the Commission for the Protection of Competition has received notification of a concentration, pursuant to Section 10 of the (...)

The Finnish Competition Authority opens an in-depth investigation into the proposed merger between two energy companies (He­len / Läm­pöYkkö­nen)
Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (Helsinki)
FCCA opens in-depth in­ves­ti­ga­tion into the pro­posed merger be­tween He­len and Läm­pöYkkö­nen* On 15 August 2022, the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (FCCA) initiated further proceedings regarding the proposed merger in which Helen Oy and LämpöYkkönen Oy will establish a (...)

The UK Competition Authority raises antitrust concerns regarding a merger of companies active in the drinking water solutions market (Waterlogic / Culligan)
UK Competition & Markets Authority - CMA (London)
CMA finds concerns in drinking water solutions merger* The CMA has found that the anticipated purchase of Waterlogic by Culligan could lead to a loss of competition in the supply of multifunctional taps to business customers in the UK. Culligan (mainly through its Zip brand) is the leading (...)

The Australian Competition Authority raises competition concerns on the proposed merger between two airline companies (Qantas / Alliance Airlines)
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (Canberra)
Qantas’ proposed acquisition of Alliance Airlines raises preliminary competition concerns* The ACCC has outlined preliminary competition concerns with Qantas Airways’ (ASX: QAN) proposed acquisition of Alliance Aviation Services Ltd (ASX: AQZ) in a statement of issues published today. In (...)

The Cypriot Competition Authority receives notification of the planned acquisition of a supermarket by a major retailer (SPAR / S.D.T Ioannides Bros)
Commission for the Protection of Competition of the Republic of Cyprus (Nicosia)
Notification of a concentration concerning the acquisition of the SPAR supermarket in Larnaca of ERMES Department Stores PLC by S.D.T Ioannides Bros Limited* The Service of the Commission for the Protection of Competition announces that it has received a notification of concentration by (...)

The US FTC issues policy paper which warns about pitfalls of using COPA Agreements, which purport to shield hospital mergers from antitrust laws in favor of state oversight
US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (Washington)
FTC Policy Paper Warns About Pitfalls of COPA Agreements for Patient Care and Healthcare Workers Some Hospital Mergers Subject to Certificate of Public Advantage Agreements Led to Higher Prices, Reduced Quality Today the Federal Trade Commission issued a policy paper and fact sheet (...)

The Australian Competition Authority greenlights an acquisition of an online marketplace by a supermarket (Woolworth / MyDeal)
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (Canberra)
Woolworths’ acquisition of MyDeal not opposed* The ACCC will not oppose Woolworths’ (ASX: WOW) proposed acquisition of online retailer MyDeal (ASX: MYD). Woolworths, through its Big W stores and supermarkets, and MyDeal, through its online marketplace, sell a variety of general merchandise (...)

The Australian Competition Authority consults on divestiture remedies offered by a manufacturer of animal health products in its bid to take over a rival (Zoetis / Jurox)
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (Canberra)
Consultation begins on Zoetis’ proposed divestiture remedy* The ACCC is seeking views on a proposed court-enforceable undertaking offered by Zoetis in relation to its proposed acquisition of Jurox. Zoetis and Jurox develop, manufacture, and sell animal health products that detect, prevent, (...)

The Australian Competition Authority approves the acquisition of a cyber security consultancy and provider of cyber security products by a Big Tech search engine (Google / Mandiant)
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (Canberra)
Google’s acquisition of Mandiant not opposed* The ACCC will not oppose the proposed acquisition of Mandiant, Inc. by Google LLC. Mandiant supplies cybersecurity consulting services, specialising in incident response, and other cybersecurity products. Google supplies software and (...)

The Romanian Competition Authority assesses the takeover of a medical imaging company by a chain of private health clinics (Medici / Med Life)
Romanian Competition Council (Bucharest)
THE COMPETITION COUNCIL ASSESSES THE TAKING OVER OF MEDICI’S BY MED LIFE* The Competition Council assesses the transaction by which Med Life takes over Medici’s Group. Med Life SA is a private healthcare operator, with clinics in different cities in Romania. The company is listed on (...)

The German Competition Authority clears a joint-venture between a publishing house and an association of pharmacies which operates an online drug delivery platform (NOWEDA / Burda)
German Competition Authority (Bonn)
Bundeskartellamt clears Burda’s participation in NOWEDA’s digital platform “IhreApotheken.de”* The Bundeskartellamt has cleared the planned creation of a joint venture by Essen-based NOWEDA Apothekengenossenschaft eG and Burda Verlag GmbH, Munich under merger control law. NOWEDA is an (...)

The Belgian Competition Authority approves the acquisition of the closed, so-called run-off, an insurance portfolio of an insurer by a rival (AXA / Monument Assurance)
Belgian Competition Authority (Brussels)
The Belgian Competition Authority approves the acquisition of the closed insurance portfolio in run-off of AXA Belgium NV by Monument Assurance Belgium NV* On 9 August 2022, the Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) approved the acquisition of the closed, so-called run-off, insurance portfolio (...)

The Belgian Competition Authority approves a merger between two life insurance companies (NN Insurances / Athora)
Belgian Competition Authority (Brussels)
The Belgian Competition Authority approves the acquisition of the life insurance portfolio in run-off of NN Insurances Belgium SA/NV by Athora Belgium SA* On 9 August 2022, the Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) approved the acquisition of the Life Insurance Portfolio in run-off of NN (...)

The Croatian Competition Authority conditionally approves the merger between two car companies subject to promises of transparency and non-discriminatory behaviour (Grand Automotive / Renault Nissan Hrvatska)
Croatian Competition Agency (Zagreb)
CONDITIONALLY APPROVED CONCENTRATION BETWEEN GRAND AUTOMOTIVE LLP/GRAND AUTOMOTIVE RD LTD. AND RENAULT NISSAN HRVATSKA* The Croatian Competition Agency conditionally approved the concentration between Grand Automotive LLP/Grand Automotive RD Ltd. and Renault Nissan Hrvatska. Grand Automotive (...)

The French Competition Authority clears the acquisition of beddings producer by a rival subject to commitments, including a possible divestment (Compagnie du Lit / Finadorm)
French Competition Authority (Paris)
The Autorité de la concurrence clears, subject to conditions, the takeover of Compagnie du Lit by Finadorm* On 3 January 2022, the Finadorm Group (France Literie) notified the Autorité de la concurrence of its plan to acquire sole control of the CDL Group (La Compagnie du Lit). Parties to (...)

The US FTC approves a $1.1B acquisition of a chain of vets by a private equity firm subject to divestment of practices in California and Texas (JAB Consumer Partners / SAGE Veterinary Partners)
US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (Washington)
FTC Approves Final Order Protecting Pet Owners from Private Equity Firm’s Anticompetitive Acquisition of Veterinary Services Clinics* FTC Acts to Preserve Competition in Markets for Specialty and Emergency Veterinary Services Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission (...)

The Mexican Competition Authority sanctions five economic agents for gun jumping in the financial sector (Banco Invex / Institución de Banca Múltiple / INVEX Grupo Financiero / Neology)
Mexican Competition Authority (Mexico City)
Cofece sanctions five economic agents for not notifying a concentration* The Commission imposed fines for a total amount of 1 million 884 thousand 966 Mexican pesos The concentration was authorized after verifying that it does not affect competition and free market access. Mexico City, (...)

The French Competition Authority clears an acquisition of a distributor of high-end bedding products by a rival and producer of such products (Compagnie du Lit / Finadorm)
French Competition Authority (Paris)
The Autorité de la concurrence clears, subject to conditions, the takeover of Compagnie du Lit by France Literie* On 3 January 2022, the Finadorm Group (France Literie) notified the Autorité de la concurrence of its plan to acquire sole control of the CDL Group (La Compagnie du Lit). (...)

The Australian Competition Authority calls for comments on court-enforceable divestment commitments by a provider of cloud-based software for businesses in order to acquire a tech company which enables outsourcing of administrative services (Dye & Durham / Link)
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (Canberra)
Consultation begins on Dye & Durham’s proposed divestiture offer for Link acquisition* The ACCC is seeking views on a proposed court-enforceable undertaking offered by Dye & Durham Corporation (D&D) in relation to its proposed acquisition of Link Administration Holdings (...)

The UK Competition Authority requires the largest provider of property search services to sell its recently acquired competitor (Dye & Durham / TM Group)
UK Competition & Markets Authority - CMA (London)
CMA requires Dye & Durham to sell TM Group* The CMA has concluded that Dye & Durham must sell TM Group after its in-depth investigation identified competition concerns. Following a Phase 2 merger investigation, the CMA has found that the acquisition of TM Group by Dye & Durham (...)

The UK Competition Authority provisionally clears the acquisition of a cyber security company by a rival (Avast / NortonLifeLock)
UK Competition & Markets Authority - CMA (London)
CMA provisionally clears NortonLifeLock / Avast merger* The CMA has provisionally cleared the anticipated acquisition of Avast by NortonLifeLock following an in-depth merger investigation. NortonLifeLock and Avast both offer cyber safety software to consumers under a variety of different (...)

The German Competition Authority clears a stake increase by one of the world’s largest logistics providers in a major German airline (Kühne / Lufthansa)
German Competition Authority (Bonn)
Bundeskartellamt clears increase of Kühne’s stake in Lufthansa* The Bundeskartellamt has cleared the increase of Kühne Holding AG’s stake in Deutsche Lufthansa AG, which now amounts to 15.01 per cent. The competitive assessment focused on the vertical effects of the concentration. (...)

The Cypriot Competition Authority receives notification of the partial acquisition of a company providing private hospital services by a Greek healthcare company (Hellenic Healthcare Holding Single Member / Aretaeion Medical Center)
Commission for the Protection of Competition of the Republic of Cyprus (Nicosia)
Notification of a concentration concerning the acquisition by Hellenic Healthcare Holding Single Member S.A of part of the share capital of Aretaeion Medical Center Ltd, via Hellenic Healthcare Holdings 2 (Cyprus) Ltd* The Service of the Commission for the Protection of Competition announces (...)

The EU Commission approves acquisition by an automobile glass repairing firm of a rival subject to divestments (D’Ieteren / PHE)
European Commission - DG COMP (Brussels)
Mergers: Commission approves D’Ieteren’s acquisition of PHE, subject to conditions* The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, D’Ieteren’s acquisition of PHE. The approval is conditional on full compliance with commitments offered by D’Ieteren. Executive (...)

The Romanian Competition Authority will assess the acquisitions of 7 companies involved in the gambling industry by a joint-venture based out of the Cyprus for anticompetitive effects (HoldCo / Club King / Cemarbet / Saed Electronic / Get’s Bet Online / GTB Line Software...)
Romanian Competition Council (Bucharest)
THE COMPETITION COUNCIL ASSESSES THE TAKING OVER OF SOME COMPANIES BY HOLD CO* The Competition Council assesses the taking over of Club King SRL, Cemarbet SRL, Saed Electronic SRL, Get’s Bet Online LTD, GTB Line Software SRL, Neosoft Tech Support SRL and Neosoft Limited by Emma Gamma and (...)

The Georgian Competition Authority approves a merger between two teaching hospitals following a gun jumping fine (European University / Jo Ann University Hospital)
Georgian Competition Authority (Georgia)
The National Competition Agency approved the concentration of "European University" and "Jo Ann University Hospital"* The National Competition Agency approved the concentration of “European University” and “Jo Ann University Hospital.” The issue concerns - in April, the concentration was (...)

The Romanian Competition Authority assesses a proposed takeover between two petroleum and gas retail companies (Rombeer Crîngașu / Flagas)
Romanian Competition Council (Bucharest)
The Competition Council assess the taking over of Rombeer Crîngașu by Flagas* The Competition Council assesses the transaction by which Flagas takes over Rombeer Crîngașu and 14 gas stations from Dâmbovița and Prahova counties owned under the name ”RBS Gas”. Flagas SRL sells car fuels (...)

The Romanian Competition Authority authorises the takeover of a computer hardware and software company by a computer IT Company due to unlikelihood of impact on effective competition in the market (2net Computer / Top Tech / Bittnet Systems)
Romanian Competition Council (Bucharest)
THE COMPETITION COUNCIL AUTHORIZED THE TAKING OVER OF 2NET COMPUTER AND TOP TECH BY BITTNET SYSTEMS * The Competition Council authorized the transactions by which Bittnet Systems SA takes over the companies 2Net Computer SRL and Top Tech SRL. Bittnet Systems is active, mostly, in the area (...)

The Romanian Competition Authority approves the takeover of the assets of an animal feed mill by a poultry farm (Sam Mills / Poultry Farms)
Romanian Competition Council (Bucharest)
THE COMPETITION COUNCIL APPROVED THE TAKING OVER OF SOME ASSETS OF SAM MILLS EUROPE AND SAM MILLS FEED BY POULTRY INTEGRATION FARMS * The Competition Council approved the transaction by which Poultry Integration Farms takes over from Sam Mills Europe and Sam Mills Feed some assets for the (...)

The Romanian Competition Authority launches for public debate the commitments of a car manufacturing company following a finding of infringement for abuse of dominance (Volvo Romania)
Romanian Competition Council (Bucharest)
The Competition Council launches for public debate the commitments proposed by Volvo Romania* The Competition Council launches for public debate the commitments proposed by Volvo Romania in order to remove the competition concerns related to the investigation on a potential abuse of dominant (...)

State Aid

The EU Commission approves Italian market conform scheme to manage publicly guaranteed loans
European Commission - DG COMP (Brussels)
State aid: Commission approves Italian market conform scheme to manage publicly guaranteed loans* The European Commission has found Italy’s plan to enable the transfer of certain State guaranteed loans to a newly created platform managed by AMCO S.p.A. to be free of any State aid. The (...)

The EU Commission approves €27.5B German scheme to compensate energy-intensive companies for indirect emission costs
European Commission - DG COMP (Brussels)
State aid: Commission approves €27.5 billion German scheme to compensate energy-intensive companies for indirect emission costs The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a German scheme to partially compensate energy-intensive companies for higher electricity prices (...)

The EU Commission approves €835M Dutch scheme to compensate energy-intensive companies for indirect emission costs
European Commission - DG COMP (Brussels)
State aid: Commission approves €835 million Dutch scheme to compensate energy-intensive companies for indirect emission costs* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a Dutch scheme to partially compensate energy-intensive companies for higher electricity prices (...)

The EU Commission approves a Finnish scheme worth €687M to compensate energy-intensive companies for indirect emission costs
European Commission - DG COMP (Brussels)
State aid: Commission approves €687 million Finnish scheme to compensate energy-intensive companies for indirect emission costs* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a Finnish scheme to partially compensate energy-intensive companies for higher electricity prices (...)

The EU Commission approves €125M Estonian scheme to support companies in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
European Commission - DG COMP (Brussels)
State aid: Commission approves €125 million Estonian scheme to support companies in context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine* The European Commission has approved a €125 million Estonian scheme to support the liquidity needs of companies across sectors in the context of Russia’s invasion of (...)

The EU Commission approves a Bulgarian scheme worth €218M to support agricultural producers in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
European Commission - DG COMP (Brussels)
State aid: Commission approves €218 million Bulgarian scheme to support agricultural producers in context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine* The European Commission has approved a €218 million (BGN 426 million) Bulgarian scheme to support certain agricultural producers in the context of (...)

The EU Commission approves modifications to Polish State aid scheme, including a €5.1B budget increase, to support companies in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
European Commission - DG COMP (Brussels)
State aid: Commission approves modifications to Polish scheme, including €5.1 billion budget increase, to support companies in context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine* The European Commission has approved modifications, including a budget increase of €5.1 billion (PLN 24.5 billion), to an (...)

The EU Commission clears financing of Denmark’s national postal service
European Commission - DG COMP (Brussels)
State aid: Commission clears financing of Post Danmark’s universal service obligation* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, Denmark’s compensation to Post Danmark for its universal postal service obligation in 2020. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in (...)

The EU Commission approves an Italian scheme under the Recovery and Resilience Facility to support the production of biomethane
European Commission - DG COMP (Brussels)
State aid: Commission approves Italian scheme under Recovery and Resilience Facility to support biomethane production* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, an Italian scheme made available through the Recovery and Resilience Facility (’RRF’) to support the (...)

The EU Commission approves a Romanian scheme worth €149M under the Recovery and Resilience Facility to support renewable hydrogen production
European Commission - DG COMP (Brussels)
State aid: Commission approves €149 million Romanian scheme under Recovery and Resilience Facility to support renewable hydrogen production* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €149 million Romanian scheme made available through the Recovery and Resilience (...)

The EU Commission approves a Greek aid scheme whose objective is to support vulnerable and less prosperous households and micro or small enterprises struggling to repay mortgages and loans
Maastricht University (Maastricht)
An Innovative Scheme to Support Individual Borrowers* Individuals and households are not undertakings. However, any public funding of individuals or households may constitute indirect aid to undertakings. Such aid may be exempted on the basis of Article 107(2)(a) TFEU. Introduction (...)

The EU Commission approves an Austrian scheme worth €110M to support agricultural producers in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
European Commission - DG COMP (Brussels)
State aid: Commission approves €110 million Austrian scheme to support agricultural producers in context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine* The European Commission has approved a €110 million Austrian scheme to support primary agricultural producers in the context of Russia’s invasion of (...)

The EU Commission approves the 2022-2027 regional aid map for Denmark
European Commission - DG COMP (Brussels)
State aid: Commission approves 2022-2027 regional aid map for Denmark* The European Commission has approved under EU State aid rules Denmark’s map for granting regional aid from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2027 within the framework of the revised Regional aid Guidelines (‘RAG’). The (...)

The EU Commission approves revised commitments by Italy for precautionary recapitalisation of the country’s 5th largest bank (Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena)
European Commission - DG COMP (Brussels)
State aid: Commission approves revised commitments by Italy for Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a set of revised commitments submitted by Italy, replacing the original commitments on the basis of which the Commission had (...)

The EU Commission approves a German scheme worth €2.98B to promote green district heating
European Commission - DG COMP (Brussels)
State aid: Commission approves €2.98 billion German scheme to promote green district heating* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €2.98 billion German scheme to promote green district heating based on renewable energy and waste heat. The measure will contribute (...)

The EU Commission approves a Latvian scheme worth €181.5M to support companies in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
European Commission - DG COMP (Brussels)
State aid: Commission approves €181.5 million Latvian schemes to support companies in context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine* The European Commission has approved two Latvian schemes with a total budget of €181.5 million to support small and medium-sized enterprises (‘SMEs’) and large (...)

Procedures

The Latvian Competition Authority changes the procedure for the calculation of fines for infringements of competition law
Latvian Competition Council (Riga)
Changes to the procedure for determining fines applicable by the CC* On August 26, 29.03.2016. amendments to the Cabinet of Ministers regulation No. 179 " Procedures for Determining a Fine for the Infringements Provided for in Section 11, Paragraph One, Sections 13 and 14.1 of the (...)

The US Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit blocks the payment of incentives to class representatives and denies an en banc hearing on the grounds that it violates historical precedent, signalling a different approach to other Circuit Courts (Johnson / NPAS Solutions)
Hausfeld (New York)
Today, it is impossible to guess what law previously considered to be settled will be newly determined to violate historical precedent or the Constitution. In September 2020, the Eleventh Circuit decided in Johnson v. NPAS Solutions, LLC, that class representatives may no longer receive (...)

Regulatory

The Fijian Competition Authority conducts inspections on taxi meter calibration to address unconscionable behaviour in connection with the price charged for the supply and acquisition of goods or services
Fijian Competition & Consumer Commission - FCCC (Suva)
FCCC Conducts Inspections on Taxi Meter Calibration Charges* The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) has been conducting inspections on taxi meters to ensure they are calibrated to accurately reflect the recent increase in fares. FCCC enforcement teams from all divisions are (...)

The Fijian Competition Authority approves an interim authorisation for an increase in minibus fares for six routes to ensure the sustainability of the minibus industry
Fijian Competition & Consumer Commission - FCCC (Suva)
Minibus Fare Review 2022* The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) has approved an interim authorisation for an increase in minibus fares for six routes. This was followed by the completion of the assessment of the Minibus Fare Review which considered the necessary historical (...)

The Australian Competition Authority accepts a telecom’s court-enforceable undertaking to halt a spectrum registration practice which interfered with a rival’s rollout of 5G network (Telstra)
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (Canberra)
Telstra undertakes to address 5G competition concerns* The ACCC has accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from Telstra to address competition concerns about Telstra’s registration of radiocommunications sites in low band spectrum that interfered with Optus’ plans to roll out its 5G (...)

The Chinese Supreme People’s Procuratorate issues a notice on public interest litigation prosecution in accordance with the Anti-monopoly Law
AnJie Broad Law (Beijing)
,
AnJie Broad Law (Beijing)
,
AnJie Broad Law (Beijing)
This article has been nominated for the 2023 Antitrust Writing Awards. Click here to learn more about the Antitrust Writing Awards. Preface The revised Anti-Monopoly Law of the People’s Republic of China (“New AML”) entered into force on August 1, 2022. The New AML introduces in the (...)

The Chinese Government introduces key reforms to the national merger control regime
AnJie Broad Law (Beijing)
,
AnJie Broad Law (Beijing)
,
AnJie Broad Law (Beijing)
After 14 years of enforcement of China’s Anti-Monopoly Law (the “AML”) since 2008, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China has amended the AML after a two-year review with several rounds of deliberations and issued a new version (“the New AML”) on June 24, 2022. In (...)