The UK Government publishes consultations on far-reaching reforms to competition and consumer laws which would substantially expand the powers of the Competition Authority and reduce procedural protections

The U.K. government is consulting on far-reaching reforms to U.K. competition and consumer laws, which would substantially expand the powers of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and reduce procedural protections. Key proposals include: Merger control jurisdiction enlarged: The CMA will have jurisdiction to “call in” mergers for investigation even if the acquirer and target do not compete where (i) the acquirer has over £100 million in U.K. revenue and (ii) one party has over 25% share of supply. Enhanced scrutiny for tech M&A: “Strategic market status” (SMS) digital firms ― large tech companies designated by the CMA as having SMS status ― will be subject to heightened M&A controls: Mandatory prior notice to the CMA of all mergers; The CMA would gain the power to investigate

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Authors

  • Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (Brussels)
  • Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (Brussels)
  • Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (Brussels)
  • Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (London)
  • Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (Brussels)
  • Université Catholique de Lille

Quotation

Bill Batchelor, Frederic Depoortere, Ingrid Vandenborre, Aurora Luoma, Nick Wolfe, Giorgio Motta, The UK Government publishes consultations on far-reaching reforms to competition and consumer laws which would substantially expand the powers of the Competition Authority and reduce procedural protections, 20 July 2021, e-Competitions July 2021, Art. N° 101810

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