November 2020

General antitrust

 The OECD holds a roundtable on competition in digital advertising markets
OECD - Competition Division (Paris)
France 290 contributions 746046 visites
Digital advertising is now the leading form of advertising in most if not all OECD countries, and offers businesses the ability to reach consumers in ways that could only have been imagined previously. Increased Internet coverage and mobile phone penetration has fundamentally changed the (...)

The UK Competition Authority issues an analysis examining how well competition is working across the national economy
United Kingdom’s Competition Authority - CMA (London)
Royaume-Uni 177 contributions 31599 visites
CMA reports on the state of competition in the UK* The CMA has issued a first-of-its-kind analysis examining how well competition is working across the UK economy. Commissioned by the Chancellor and the Business Secretary, the report looks at the state of competition in the UK economy. It is (...)

The UK Competition Authority publishes its first state of competition report examining the effectiveness of the competition policy in the national economy
Ashurst (London)
United Kingdom 1 contribution 51 visits
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Ashurst (London)
United Kingdom 2 contributions 88 visits
On 30 November 2020, the UK Competition and Markets Authority ("CMA") published its first state of competition report, commissioned by the UK government. The purpose of the report was to at the state of competition in the UK economy. It is intended to provide a baseline for future analysis and (...)

The Portuguese Competition Authority identifies barriers to the opening of facilities in the hemodialysis care provision sector
Portuguese Competition Authority (Lisbon)
Portugal 63 contributions 15740 visites
The AdC identifies barriers to the opening of new facilities and proposes recommendations aimed at promoting the well-being of chronic disease patients* The Portuguese Competition Authority – Autoridade da Concorrência (AdC) has undertaken an analysis on the hemodialysis care provision sector in (...)

The UK Government responds to the Competition Authority’s final report on its inquiry on online platforms and digital advertising
Bird & Bird (London)
United Kingdom 1 contribution 45 visits
The Government has decided to move ahead with the establishment of the Digital Markets Unit (DMU) and the adoption of an enforceable code of conduct to tackle digital markets (Digital Code). These measures are designed to support the establishment of a new pro-competitive regime for digital (...)

The UK Government announces a new competition regime for tech giants with more data control for consumers, more online promotion opportunities for small businesses, more balance for publishers, and a new Digital Markets Unit to oversee it all
United Kingdom’s Competition Authority - CMA (London)
Royaume-Uni 177 contributions 31599 visites
New competition regime for tech giants to give consumers more choice and control over their data, and ensure businesses are fairly treated* A dedicated Digital Markets Unit will be set up to introduce and enforce a new code to govern the behaviour of platforms that currently dominate the (...)

The UK Competition Authority welcomes the Government’s response to its online platforms and digital advertising market study
United Kingdom’s Competition Authority - CMA (London)
Royaume-Uni 177 contributions 31599 visites
CMA welcomes government response to digital advertising study* The CMA has welcomed the UK Government’s response to its online platforms and digital advertising market study. The government has today accepted, in principle, the findings of the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) year-long (...)

The Russian Competition Authority publishes a booklet on the best practices of antimonopoly compliance
Russian Federal Antimonopoly Service (Moscow)
France 281 contributions 31315 visites
FAS Published a Booklet on the Best Practices of Antimonopoly Compliance* Over the past few years, the competition policy framework has been created, the national competition development plan 2018-2020 and the Road Map for competition development have been adopted (Government Order No 1697-R). (...)

The Polish Competition Authority takes enforcement actions in the pharmaceutical sector
Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgique 89 contributions 18148 visites
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Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgique 13 contributions 2439 visites
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Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgique 13 contributions 2439 visites
The Polish competition authority, the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection ( UOKiK ), has proven to be an energetic enforcer of the competition rules. Over the past few days, UOKiK found itself in the limelight because of two new distinct inquiries in the pharmaceutical sector that (...)

The New Zealand Competition Authority opens a market study into the grocery sector and publishes process paper
New Zealand Commerce Commission
Nouvelle-Zélande 64 contributions 7341 visites
Commission opens market study into grocery sector and publishes process paper* The Commerce Commission has commenced a market study into factors that may affect competition in the grocery sector following publication of terms of reference for the study by the Minister of Commerce and Consumer (...)

The Slovakian Competition Authority publishes its annual report for 2019
Bird & Bird (Bratislava)
Slovaquie 1 contribution 143 visites
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Bird & Bird (Bratislava)
Slovaquie 1 contribution 143 visites
The Antimonopoly Office of the Slovak Republic (hereinafter referred to as the "Office") has published its annual report on its website, in which it has evaluated and summarized its activities in the past year. In 2019, the Office imposed fines of over EUR 3.3 million, approximately one third (...)

The Polish Competition Authority President initiates an investigation into the market of oxygen supply to hospitals
Polish Competition Authority (Warsaw)
Pologne 44 contributions 4873 visites
Oxygen supply to hospitals - actions of the President of UOKiK* President of UOKiK Tomasz Chróstny has initiated an investigation procedure today, under which he will inspect the market of oxygen supply to hospitals. UOKiK will check if there are no competition-restricting practices in place. (...)

The French Competition Authority delivers its opinion on the competitive situation in Corsica island with a focus on food distribution, fuel distribution, maritime services, and waste management
Autorité de la concurrence (Paris)
France 591 contributions 218596 visites
Food distribution, fuel distribution, maritime services and waste management: the Autorité delivers its opinion on the competitive situation in Corsica island* Following an investigation lasting several months, the Autorité today issues its opinion on the competitive situation on the island. (...)

The UK Competition Authority launches the second consultation on its updated merger assessment guidelines
United Kingdom’s Competition Authority - CMA (London)
Royaume-Uni 177 contributions 31599 visites
Consultation launched on CMA Merger Assessment Guidelines* The CMA is consulting on updated guidelines about its approach to analysing mergers. The updated Merger Assessment Guidelines will help ensure that the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) continues to protect consumers through its (...)

The US DoJ issues guidance on the use of arbitration and launches small business help center
US Department of Justice - Antitrust Division (Washington)
États-Unis 64 contributions 13015 visites
Justice Department Issues Guidance On The Use Of Arbitration And Launches Small Business Help Center* The Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice announced the publication of two new resources on its website today. First, the division issued updated and supplemental guidance on the (...)

The German Competition Authority launches sector inquiry into messenger services
German Competition Authority (Bonn)
Allemagne 310 contributions 60841 visites
Bundeskartellamt launches sector inquiry into messenger services* The Bundeskartellamt has launched a sector inquiry into messenger services under consumer protection law. Andreas Mundt, President of the Bundeskartellamt: “As a communication channel messenger services have become an integral (...)

The UK Government introduces a national investment screening regime
Herbert Smith Freehills (London)
United Kingdom 1 contribution 79 visits
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Herbert Smith Freehills (London)
United Kingdom 1 contribution 79 visits
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Herbert Smith Freehills (London)
United Kingdom 7 contributions 1962 visits
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On 11 November 2020 the UK Government introduced the National Security and Investment Bill (NSI Bill) to Parliament, setting out significant legislative reforms which will overhaul the review of transactions and investments on national security grounds in the UK, against a backdrop of (...)

The UK Government introduces a national investment screening regime
Hogan Lovells (London)
United Kingdom 9 contributions 1185 visits
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Hogan Lovells (London)
United Kingdom 2 contributions 137 visits
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Hogan Lovells (London)
United Kingdom 2 contributions 107 visits
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A new National Security and Investment Bill laid before the UK Parliament this week will, on enactment, significantly affect the way investments in the UK can be reviewed by the UK Government where they raise national security considerations. The new legislation replaces stop-gap provisions (...)

The UK Government proposes national security investment screening regime
Morgan Lewis (London)
United Kingdom 19 contributions 4508 visits
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Morgan Lewis (London)
United Kingdom 9 contributions 3991 visits
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Morgan Lewis (London)
United Kingdom 6 contributions 641 visits
The proposed regime is a huge departure for the United Kingdom, since it introduces mandatory filings for certain investments raising a national security concern, while it also gives the UK government extensive call-in powers for a period of up to five years for completed transactions, and it (...)

The UK Government introduces a regime for screening foreign direct investments
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (London)
United Kingdom 5 contributions 685 visits
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Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (London)
United Kingdom 1 contribution 208 visits
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Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (London)
United Kingdom 1 contribution 208 visits
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The UK government’s long-awaited National Security and Investment Bill (the Bill), which paves the way to significant changes in the UK’s regime for screening foreign investment, was laid before Parliament on 11 November 2020. While the text of the proposed legislation will require detailed (...)

The UK Government publishes proposals designed to restrict foreign investment
Bird & Bird (London)
Royaume-Uni 23 contributions 1240 visites
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Bird & Bird (London)
United Kingdom 1 contribution 71 visits
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Bird & Bird (London)
United Kingdom 1 contribution 71 visits
Last week, the UK Government published new proposals designed to restrict foreign investment in the UK and to potentially block securities listings on UK public markets, in each case on grounds of national security. Foreign investment controls On 11 November 2020, the National Security and (...)

The UK Government publishes a draft law introducing significant powers to scrutinise foreign direct investment
Covington & Burling (London)
United Kingdom 2 contributions 188 visits
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Covington & Burling (London)
United Kingdom 3 contributions 314 visits
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Covington & Burling (London)
United Kingdom 4 contributions 382 visits
Major Development in UK Foreign Investment Law and Policy The UK government has published long-awaited draft legislation that, if made law, will introduce significant new powers to scrutinise Foreign Direct Investment (“FDI”). The National Security & Investment Bill (the “NSI Bill” or the (...)

The UK Government publishes its national security and investment bill
Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgium 12 contributions 490 visits
On 11 November 2020, the UK Government published the National Security and Investment Bill (“NSIB”). The NSIB proposes the introduction of a standalone foreign direct investment (“FDI”) regime for the first time in the UK. It introduces a hybrid mandatory and voluntary notification regime with (...)

The UK Government proposes screening powers for certain deals on national security grounds
Baker Botts (Brussels)
Belgium 24 contributions 41678 visits
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Baker Botts (Brussels)
Belgium 19 contributions 10263 visits
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Baker Botts (London)
United Kingdom 10 contributions 1701 visits
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This week, the UK Government announced new draft powers under the National Security and Investment Bill (the ‘Bill’) to screen certain deals on national security grounds. The proposals apply to takeovers and investments (including minority share acquisitions) by foreign buyers in a wide range of (...)

The UK Government introduces a national investment screening regime to restrict foreign investment
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (London)
United Kingdom 2 contributions 4539 visits
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Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (London)
United Kingdom 5 contributions 315 visits
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Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (London)
United Kingdom 2 contributions 128 visits
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On 11 November 2020, the UK Government published its long-awaited National Security and Investment Bill (the Bill) in a significant departure from the 2018 White Paper (see our previous briefing). The Bill establishes a new screening regime for investments in a wide range of sensitive and (...)

The UK Government announces long-awaited and extensive reforms to the foreign investment regime
Shearman & Sterling (London)
United Kingdom 16 contributions 7808 visits
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Shearman & Sterling (Brussels)
Belgium 10 contributions 7204 visits
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Shearman & Sterling (London)
United Kingdom 13 contributions 8827 visits
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On 11 November 2020, the U.K. Government announced long-awaited and extensive reforms to the U.K. foreign investment regime. The reforms proposed are more significant than anticipated and include a mandatory notification regime alongside broader “call-in” powers for the Secretary of State. The (...)

The UK Government introduces the national foreign direct investment bill
Ashurst (London)
United Kingdom 19 contributions 10938 visits
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Ashurst (London)
United Kingdom 9 contributions 2556 visits
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Ashurst (London)
United Kingdom 9 contributions 2095 visits
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Introduction A new national security notification regime On 11 November 2020, the UK Government introduced its National Security and Investment Bill ("Bill") into Parliament, which will significantly strengthen its powers to investigate and potentially prohibit transactions on national (...)

The UK Government introduces a national screening regime for foreign investments
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton (London)
United Kingdom 20 contributions 25841 visits
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Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton (London)
United Kingdom 26 contributions 23443 visits
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Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton (London)
United Kingdom 11 contributions 3345 visits
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On November 11, the UK Government proposed a new national security screening regime that would allow the Government to intervene in “potentially hostile” foreign investments that threatened UK national security while “ensuring the UK remains a global champion of free trade and an attractive place (...)

The Chinese SAMR issues antitrust guidelines for the platform economic industry
King & Wood Mallesons (Beijing)
China 6 contributions 552 visits
10 Highlights of the Antitrust Guidelines for Platform Economy* On 10 November, the Anti-Monopoly Bureau of the State Administration for Market Regulation (“SAMR”) issued the Antitrust Guidelines for the Platform Economic Industry (draft for comments) (“Platform Guidelines”). [1] The release of (...)

The Australian Competition Authority Chairman announces in his annual address that the Authority is closely watching global antitrust efforts focusing on the major digital platforms
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (Canberra)
Australie 196 contributions 24749 visites
Global focus on competition and digital platforms* The ACCC is closely watching global anti-trust efforts focusing on major digital platforms, including the US Department of Justice’s recent case against Google and proposed new competition laws in Europe, ACCC Chair Rod Sims said today. In his (...)

The Mexican Competition Authority reports on its study of retail in the food and beverages sector finding that greater competition is necessary in self-service stores for better food and beverages prices
Mexican Competition Authority (Mexico City)
Mexique 75 contributions 13400 visites
Greater competition in self-service stores for better food and beverages prices* The structure of the modern channel (self-service stores) is concentrated in few players. There are regulatory obstacles at the state and municipal levels that hinder the expansion of regional chains. In 255 (...)

The Georgian Parliament adopts amendments to its competition act
University of Oxford - Faculty of Law
United Kingdom 1 contribution 21 visits
Upgrading Georgia’s Competition Legislation – New Obligations and Balancing Benefits for Market Players* Recently, after almost 15 months of discussions, the Parliament of Georgia adopted a comprehensive set of amendments to the Law on Competition (hereinafter – “LC”). Prepared within the framework (...)

The Georgian Competition Authority announces that the law amendments in the competition sector will come into force
Georgian Competition Authority
Georgia 3 contributions 78 visits
Most of the amendments to the Law on Competition will come into force on November 4* A unified legal framework has been created for the separation of competencies between the Georgian National Competition Agency and regulatory bodies. Accordingly, the authorities will act unitedly on the basic (...)

Anticompetitive practices

 The Mexican Competition Authority issues warnings about the consequences of a possible price increase resulting from agreements between competitors in the food production sector
Mexican Competition Authority (Mexico City)
Mexique 75 contributions 13400 visites
COFECE warns several associations of tortilla producers about the consequences of a possible price increase if this is the result of an agreement between competitors* The price established by each tortilla producer must be an individual determination COFECE’s Investigative Authority could (...)

The EU Commission fines pharmaceutical companies for pay-for-delay agreement (Teva / Cephalon)
Ashurst (London)
United Kingdom 4 contributions 356 visits
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Ashurst (London)
United Kingdom 11 contributions 1132 visits
On 26 November 2020, the European Commission ("Commission") announced that it had fined the pharmaceutical companies Teva and Cephalon EUR 60.5 million for agreeing to delay for several years the market entry of a cheaper generic version of Cephalon’s drug for sleep disorders, modafinil, after (...)

The EU Commission fines 2 pharmaceutical companies €60.5 million for delaying the entry of cheaper generic medicine for sleep disorders (Teva / Cephalon)
DG COMP (Brussels)
Belgium 701 contributions 1468225 visits
Antitrust: Commission fines Teva and Cephalon €60.5 million for delaying entry of cheaper generic medicine* The European Commission has fined the pharmaceutical companies Teva and Cephalon €60.5 million for agreeing to delay for several years the market entry of a cheaper generic version of (...)

The EU Commission fines two pharmaceutical companies for "pay-for-delay" patent settlement agreement (Cephalon / Teva)
Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgique 89 contributions 18148 visites
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Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgium 13 contributions 2431 visits
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Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgium 13 contributions 2431 visits
On 26 November 2020, the European Commission (the Commission) brought to an end a long running competition case by finding against Cephalon and Teva on account of a “pay-for-delay” patent settlement agreement involving modafinil, the active substance of a sleeping disorder medicine (see, attached (...)

The Italian Competition Authority investigates national fashion retailer for alleged abuse of economic dependence in franchising agreements (Benetton)
Italian Competition Authority (Rome)
Italie 40 contributions 7403 visites
A543 - ICA: Benetton under investigation for an alleged abuse of economic dependence in franchising agreements* According to the Authority, the group might have obliged its retailers to maintain a sales structure and a commercial organisation tailored to Benetton’s needs and such as to prevent (...)

The Norwegian Competition Authority fines two companies in the alarm sector for engaging in market sharing practices (Verisure / Sector Alarm)
Norwegian Competition Authority
Norway 10 contributions 1072 visits
Fines exceeding 1 billion NOK in total imposed on Verisure and Sector Alarm* The Norwegian Competition Authority has today imposed a fine of 766 million NOK on Verisure AS and last year a fine of 467.3 million NOK on Sector Alarm for collusion in the market for the provision of alarm services (...)

The Hellenic Competition Authority investigates alleged anti-competitive horizontal agreements and exclusionary practices in the provision of banking and payment services
Hellenic Competition Authority (Athens)
Grèce 53 contributions 8806 visites
Communication on the progress of the HCC’s investigation in the banking sector* In November 2019, the Hellenic Competition Commission (HCC) conducted dawn raids, acting ex officio and following relevant complaints, at the premises of undertakings and their associations active in the banking (...)

The Lithuanian Competition Authority reduces fines imposed on a cartel of cinema companies as a measure against the COVID-19 pandemic (Theatrical Film Distribution / NCG Distribution / Forum Cinemas) Free
Lithuanian Competition Authority (Vilnius)
Lituanie 67 contributions 9376 visites
As a Result of COVID-19 Pandemic, Lithuanian Competition Council Reduces Fines Imposed on Cinema Companies That Formed Cartel* The Lithuanian competition authority Konkurencijos taryba has found that the film distributor Theatrical Film Distribution and the firms NCG Distribution and Forum (...)

The Lithuanian Competition Authority reduces fines it imposed on cinema companies for forming cartel as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic (Theatrical Film Distribution / NCG Distribution / Forum Cinemas) Free
Lithuanian Competition Authority (Vilnius)
Lituanie 67 contributions 9376 visites
As a result of Covid-19 Pandemic, Lithuanian Competition council reduces fines imposed on cinema companies that formed cartel* The Lithuanian competition authority Konkurencijos taryba has found that the film distributor Theatrical Film Distribution and the firms NCG Distribution and Forum (...)

The French Competition Authority amends its decision-making practice following a judgment of the EU Court of Justice on responses to calls for tenders by subsidiaries of the same group (Ovimpex group / Dhumeaux / Mondial Viande Service / Vianov)
Autorité de la concurrence (Paris)
France 591 contributions 218596 visites
Responses to calls for tenders by subsidiaries of the same group: the Autorité amends its decision-making practice following a judgement of the CJEU* Following a judgement of the CJEU clarifying European case-law, the Autorité de la concurrence amends its decision-making practice, which until (...)

The Polish Competition Authority conducts dawn raids and initiates explanatory proceedings against pharmaceutical wholesalers for allegations of exchange of information and price fixing (Neuca Spółka Akcyjna / Przedsiębiorstwo Dystrybucji Farmaceutycznej Slawex / Farmacol Serwis / Farmacol Logistyka)
Polish Competition Authority (Warsaw)
Poland 44 contributions 4873 visits
Do pharmaceutical wholesalers increase drug prices by exchanging information?* Could unfair market practices, resulting in higher drug prices and restriction of competition, be facilitated by the IT systems used by pharmaceutical wholesalers? President of UOKiK Tomasz Chróstny has initiated (...)

The Slovak Competition Authority fines three undertakings for a cartel agreement in the area of supplies of machines and mechanical and technological equipment
Slovak Competition Authority (Bratislava)
Slovakia 25 contributions 2742 visits
AMO SR decided to impose fines on three undertakings for a cartel agreement in the area of supplies of machines and mechanical and technological equipment* On 18 November 2020 the Antimonopoly Office of the Slovak Republic, the Division of Cartels, (hereafter "the Office") issued a decision, (...)

The Swedish Competition Authority fines a municipal-owned company for an illegal direct award of a contract for 19 event arrangements (Affärsverken Karlskrona)
Swedish Competition Authority (Stockholm)
Sweden 52 contributions 5774 visits
Event arrangement considered an illegal direct award of contract* The company Affärsverken Karlskrona AB failed to comply with the procurement rules when the company entered into a contract for several event arrangements to a value of SEK 1.6 million. The Swedish Competition Authority is of the (...)

The Australian Competition Authority authorises cooperation to support regional airline services due to the COVID-19 pandemic (Virgin Australia / Alliance Airlines) Free
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (Canberra)
Australie 196 contributions 24749 visites
Virgin Australia and Alliance Airlines authorised to cooperate to support regional airline services* The ACCC has today granted interim authorisation to Virgin Australia and Alliance Airlines allowing them to cooperate on 41 regional routes and two short-haul international routes. The ACCC’s (...)

The EU Commission publishes a study on territorial supply constraints in the European retail sector
Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgium 148 contributions 42748 visits
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Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgium 3 contributions 168 visits
On 19 November 2020, the European Commission (“Commission”) published a study on territorial supply constraints (“TSCs”) in the EU retail sector (the “Study”), available here. The Study is the outcome of a fact-finding mission commissioned by DG GROW and clarifies the prevalence and effects of TSCs (...)

The US DoJ files a case and simultaneous settlement requiring the national association of realtors to repeal and modify certain rules to provide transparency (National Association of Realtors)
US Department of Justice - Antitrust Division (Washington)
United States 64 contributions 13016 visits
Justice Department Files Antitrust Case and Simultaneous Settlement Requiring National Association of Realtors® To Repeal and Modify Certain Anticompetitive Rules* Settlement Will Increase Competition to the Benefit of American Homeowners and Homebuyers and Allow for Innovation in Brokerage (...)

The Luxembourg Competition Authority fines food company and 3 supermarkets €3.3 million for resale price maintenance (Bahlsen / Auchan / Cactus / Delhaize)
Luxembourg Competition Council (Liège)
4 contributions 576 visits
The Luxembourg Competition Council fines Bahlsen and the supermarkets Auchan, Cactus and Delhaize of €3.3 million* In three decisions dated 18 November 2020, the Competition Council fines Bahlsen and the supermarkets Auchan, Cactus and Delhaize of €3.3 million for resale price maintenance of (...)

The US DoJ announces that the president of a company pleaded guilty to rigging bids in the commercial flooring market (Delmar E. Church Jr.)
US Department of Justice - Antitrust Division (Washington)
United States 64 contributions 13016 visits
President of Commercial Flooring Company Pleads Guilty to Rigging Bids in Violation of Federal Antitrust Laws* Delmar E. Church Jr., the president and one of the principal owners of a Chicago-area commercial flooring company, pleaded guilty for his role in a conspiracy to rig bids and fix (...)

The Italian Competition Authority opens investigation into insurance association’s "fraud detection project" in non-life and life insurance for possible competitive concerns (ANIA)
Italian Competition Authority (Rome)
Italie 40 contributions 7403 visites
ICA: Investigation launched against ANIA regarding the ’fraud detection project’ in non-life and life insurance* The Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato initiated an investigation against the Associazione Nazionale fra le Imprese Assicuratrici (ANIA), which originates from a (...)

The Norwegian Competition Authority carries out unannounced inspections in the sea freight market
Norwegian Competition Authority
Norway 10 contributions 1072 visits
Inspections in the market for sea freight* The Norwegian Competition Authority has carried out unannounced inspections in the market for sea freight. – The Competition Authority has concerns that companies in the market for sea freight may have exchanged competitively sensitive information (...)

The French Competition Authority fines 6 councils and 2 trade union federations of dental surgeons for boycott (National Council of the College of Dental Surgeons / National Confederation of Dental Trade Unions)
Autorité de la concurrence (Paris)
France 591 contributions 218596 visites
Dental care networks: the National Council and five departmental councils of the College of Dental Surgeons and two trade union federations fined for boycott* The Autorité de la concurrence hands out fines worth €4 million to the National Council and five departmental councils of the College of (...)

The French Competition Authority sanctions councils and trade union federations of dental surgeons for collective boycott (National Council of the College of Dental Surgeons / National Confederation of Dental Trade Unions)
Ashurst (Paris)
France 32 contributions 38469 visits
On 12 November 2020, the French competition authority (the "FCA") fined the National Council of the College of Dental Surgeons (the "National Council"), five departmental councils of the College and two trade unions for collectively boycotting dental care networks. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW - KEY (...)

The Portuguese Competition Authority issues a statement of objections to the association of land surveyors for price fixing (National Association of Land Surveyors)
Portuguese Competition Authority (Lisbon)
Portugal 63 contributions 15740 visits
AdC issues Statement of Objections to National Association of Land Surveyors for price fixing* The AdC – Portuguese Competition Authority issued a Statement of Objections (SO) to the National Association of Land Surveyors (ANT – in Portuguese), for price fixing of the services of land surveying. (...)

The Slovenian Competition Authority opens a procedure against four gas companies for prohibited restrictive agreement and concerted practice (Butan plin / INA Slovenija / Istrabenz plini / Plinarna Maribor)
Slovenian Competition Authority (Ljubljana)
Slovenia 6 contributions 703 visits
The Agency has commenced a procedure in order to establish a prohibited restrictive agreement or concerted practice between the undertakings Butan plin, d.d., Ljubljana, INA Slovenija, d.o.o., Istrabenz plini d.o.o. and Plinarna Maribor d.o.o.* The Slovenian Competition Protection Agency, (...)

The Dutch Competition Authority allows insurers to introduce a joint scheme for handling vehicle-damage claims
Netherlands Authority for Consumers & Markets (The Hague)
Pays-Bas 132 contributions 16548 visites
ACM: insurers are allowed to introduce joint scheme for handling vehicle-damage claims* Insurers in the Netherlands are allowed to introduce a scheme that will enable them to handle cases involving damage to vehicles in a faster and more simplified manner. Currently, consumers that have (...)

The Polish Competition Authority fines a music manufacturer for setting minimum online resale prices (Yamaha Music Europe)
Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgium 1 contribution 31 visits
According to a press release of 5 November 2020, the Polish Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (the “UOKIK”) imposed a fine of PLN 511,806.92 (approximately € 114,000) on musical equipment manufacturer Yamaha for setting minimum prices at which its products could be sold by distributors (...)

The Russian Competition Authority Voronezh Regional Office finds a cartel in public tenders for road construction (Road Construction and Repair / Rossoshanskoe Road Repair and Construction Office No 1)
Russian Federal Antimonopoly Service (Moscow)
France 281 contributions 31315 visits
Voronezh Regional Office of the FAS Russia Revealed a Cartel for 258 Million Rubles* The anti-competitive agreement was implemented during the auction for the execution of road repair work The Voronezh Regional Office of the FAS Russia found Road Construction and Repair LLC and Rossoshanskoe (...)

The Hellenic Competition Authority releases a statement of objections in the gas appliances sector against a company for alleged abuse of dominant position as well as agreements concluded with its wholesalers and distributors (DIMKA / STAMATOULIS)
Hellenic Competition Authority (Athens)
Greece 53 contributions 8806 visits
Subject: Statement of Objections in relation to alleged infringements of Articles 1 and 2 of Law 3959/2011 and Articles 101 and 102 TFEU in the Greek market for general purpose gas appliances by DIMKA SA, following a complaint by STAMATOULIS SA as well as an ex officio investigation of the (...)

The Japanese FTC closes investigation into conduct that allegedly caused all 12 members of a professional baseball association to refuse to sign contracts with certain players (Nippon Professional Baseball)
Japan Fair Trade Commission (Tokyo)
Japon 113 contributions 17693 visites
Closing the Investigation on the Suspected Violation of the Antimonopoly Act by Nippon Professional Baseball* The Japan Fair Trade Commission (hereinafter referred to as the “JFTC”) has investigated Nippon Professional Baseball (hereinafter referred to as the “NPB”). The NPB is the Japanese top (...)

The UK Competition Authority issues fines of over £9m for roofing lead cartel (Associated Lead Mills / BLM British Lead)
United Kingdom’s Competition Authority - CMA (London)
United Kingdom 177 contributions 31599 visits
CMA issues fines of over £9m for roofing lead cartel* The CMA has imposed fines totalling more than £9m on 2 of the UK’s largest suppliers of rolled lead, for breaking competition law. Following an investigation into suspected cartel conduct, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found (...)

The UK Competition Authority fines two suppliers of rolled lead for entering into anticompetitive arrangements (Associated Lead Mills / BLM British Lead)
Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgium 12 contributions 490 visits
On 4 November 2020, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (“CMA”) imposed fines totalling £9.5 million on two of the UK’s largest rolled lead suppliers for their role in a roofing lead cartel. The CMA fined Associated Lead Mills Ltd and H.J. Enthoven Ltd (trading as BLM British Lead) £1.5 (...)

The Hong Kong Competition Authority welcomes the Competition Tribunal’s judgment against IT cartel for price fixing in the first case where the liability and relief portions of the proceedings have been resolved by settlement (Quantr / Cheung Man Kit / Nintex)
Hong Kong Competition Commission
Hong Kong 21 contributions 2904 visits
Competition Commission welcomes judgment in IT cartel conduct case* The Competition Commission (Commission) welcomes the judgment handed down by the Competition Tribunal (Tribunal) today (3 November) in proceedings involving the exchange of competitively sensitive information in the IT sector. (...)

The Romanian Competition Authority assesses the outsourcing of some services by oil & gas company (OMV Petrom / Dietscon consortium / Bonatti association)
Romanian Competition Council (Bucharest)
Romania 58 contributions 11227 visits
The Competition Council Assesses the Outsourcing of Some Services by OMV Petrom* The Competition Council assesses the transactions through which OMV Petrom SA outsources some general surface operations general services related to the activities of extraction and production of oil and natural (...)

The Spanish Competition Authority opens investigation into possible price fixing of sunscreen products (ISDIN)
Spanish Competition Authority (Madrid)
Spain 25 contributions 3604 visits
The CNMC opens a formal investigation into possible anticompetitive practices of ISDIN, S.A* The potential illegal conduct allegedly consists of fixing resale prices online, at least for sunscreen products. Currently, the CNMC assesses potential competition restrictions imposed by producers (...)

Unilateral Practices

 The Irish Competition Authority seeks High Court order on ticket sales and distribution company’s agreement (Ticketmaster)
Irish Competition Authority (Dublin)
Ireland 51 contributions 7437 visits
CCPC seeks High Court order on Ticketmaster agreement* Why did the CCPC investigate ticketing? In January 2017, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) commenced an investigation into suspected anti-competitive practices in relation to the provision of tickets and the (...)

The Portuguese Competition Authority issues statement of objections to supermarkets and beverage supplier for price fixing and harming consumers (Modelo Continente / Pingo Doce / Auchan / Active Brands)
Portuguese Competition Authority (Lisbon)
Portugal 63 contributions 15740 visits
AdC issues Statement of Objections to supermarkets and beverage supplier for price fixing, harmful to consumers* The AdC – Portuguese Competition Authority issued a Statement of Objections to Modelo Continente, Pingo Doce, Auchan and the supplier of alcoholic beverages Active Brands for price (...)

The Mexican Competition Authority investigates possible relative monopolistic practices in the market for the supply, distribution, and retail sale of consumer goods and related services
Mexican Competition Authority (Mexico City)
Mexico 75 contributions 13400 visits
COFECE investigates possible relative monopolistic practices in the market for the supply, distribution and retail sale of consumer goods and related services* This investigation shall not be understood as a prejudgment, but as an action of the authority to verify compliance with the Federal (...)

The Regional Court of Düsseldorf refers questions regarding the licensing of standard essential patents in multi-layered supply chains to the EU Court of Justice (Nokia / Daimler)
Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgium 9 contributions 522 visits
On 26 November 2020, the Regional Court of Düsseldorf (“Düsseldorf Court”) decided to request a preliminary ruling from the Court of Justice of the European Union (“ECJ”) in patent infringement proceedings involving Nokia and Daimler. The questions give the ECJ the opportunity to offer guidance on (...)

The Regional Court of Düsseldorf questions the EU Court of Justice on standard essential patents licensing in supply chains (Nokia / Daimler)
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (Dusseldorf)
Germany 2 contributions 344 visits
,
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (Washington)
United States 9 contributions 13835 visits
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Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (Dusseldorf)
Germany 1 contribution 71 visits
In a decision of November 26, 2020 in a patent infringement case of Nokia Technologies Oy against Daimler AG, the Düsseldorf Regional Court (file number 4c O 17/19) referred several questions to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) regarding the licensing of standard essential patents (SEPs) (...)

The EU Court of Justice rules that the fee structure for music played at festivals adopted by a Belgian collecting society is not abusive (SABAM)
Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgium 6 contributions 293 visits
On 25 November 2020, the Court of Justice ((“ECJ”) delivered a judgment in Case C-327/19, ruling that the fee structure for music played at festivals adopted by the Belgian collecting society SABAM is not necessarily abusive under Article 102 TFEU. The case came before the ECJ by way of a (...)

The UK Competition Authority consults on commitments offered by a pharma company to keep its cheaper bipolar drug in the market at an increased price that is still below the company’s more expensive competing bipolar medication (Essential Pharma)
United Kingdom’s Competition Authority - CMA (London)
United Kingdom 177 contributions 31599 visits
CMA takes swift action in bipolar drug investigation* The CMA is consulting on proposed commitments from Essential Pharma to keep a key bipolar drug on the market, and ensure it is affordable to the NHS. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched a competition law investigation into (...)

The UK Competition Authority consults on proposed commitments from a pharma company to keep bipolar medicine on the market at an affordable price (Essential Pharma)
Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgique 89 contributions 18148 visites
,
Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgium 13 contributions 2443 visits
,
Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgium 13 contributions 2443 visits
Early last month, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) started an investigation into Essential Pharma because of suspicions that the firm might have abused an allegedly dominant position by taking steps to withdraw Priadel® from the UK market. This is a lithium based medicine indicated (...)

The Brussels Court of Appeal annuls Competition Authority’s decision rejecting a football club’s request for interim measures (Virton / RBFA)
Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgique 89 contributions 18148 visites
,
Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgium 21 contributions 4030 visits
In a judgment delivered on 23 September 2020, the Markets Court of the Brussels Court of Appeal (Marktenhof / Cour des marchés) (the Markets Court) annulled the decision adopted on 29 June 2020 by the Competition College (Mededingingscollege / Collège de la concurrence) of the Belgian Competition (...)

The Croatian Competition Authority fines a business-to-business food re-seller for imposing unfair trading practices on its suppliers but reduces the fine in light of cooperation, company’s small size, and the company’s importance for the national island tourism sector (Jadranka trgovina)
Croatian Competition Agency (Zagreb)
Croatia 64 contributions 10244 visits
Unfair Trading Practices: Cca Imposes HRK 85,000 Fine on Jadranka Trgovina* The Croatian Competition Agency (CCA) opened three ex officio infringement proceedings against Jadranka trgovina within the meaning of the Act on prohibition of unfair trading practices in the business-to-business food (...)

The Polish Competition Authority charges the supermarket group’s buyer company with abuse of contractual advantage against its suppliers (SCA PR Polska)
Polish Competition Authority (Warsaw)
Poland 44 contributions 4873 visits
Contractual advantage - proceedings of the President of UOKiK against SCA PR Polska (Intermarche Group)* President of UOKiK Tomasz Chróstny brought charges against SCA PR Polska, a company responsible in the capital group for purchases in the Intermarche chain. The company is likely to abuse (...)

The Belgian Competition Authority investigates a cosmetics undertaking for the imposition of a maximum discount level on its network of selective distributors (Caudalie)
Belgian Competition Authority (Brussels)
Belgium 58 contributions 12649 visits
The Investigation and Prosecution Service of the Belgian Competition Authority has submitted a motivated proposal for decision in a case concerning the imposition by Caudalie of a maximum discount level on its network of selective distributors* On 20 November 2020, the Investigation and (...)

The Australian Competition Authority alleges that an ice-cream supplier infringed competition law by engaging in exclusive dealing (Peters Ice Cream)
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (Canberra)
Australia 196 contributions 24749 visits
Peters allegedly hindered or prevented competition in ice-cream supply* The ACCC has instituted Federal Court proceedings against Australasian Food Group Pty Ltd, trading as Peters Ice Cream (Peters), alleging it engaged in conduct which hindered or prevented competition for the supply of (...)

The Slovak Competition Authority initiates administrative proceedings in the matter of possible abuse of dominant position in the area of waste management
Slovak Competition Authority (Bratislava)
Slovakia 25 contributions 2742 visits
AMO SR initiated an administrative proceedings in the matter of possible abuse of dominant position in the area of waste management* On 18 November 2020 the Antimonopoly Office of the Slovak Republic, the Division of Abuse of Dominant Position, (hereafter “the Office”), based on its own (...)

The UK Competition Authority fines a price comparison website for using most favored nation clause (ComparetheMarket)
Ashurst (London)
United Kingdom 19 contributions 10938 visits
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Ashurst (London)
United Kingdom 11 contributions 1132 visits
On 19 November 2020, the UK Competition and Markets Authority ("CMA") announced that it had issued an infringement decision finding that the price comparison website ComparetheMarket infringed Chapter I prohibition of the Competition Act 1998 and Article 101 TFEU as a result of the use of wide (...)

The UK Competition Authority fines a price comparison website for applying most-favoured nation clause (ComparetheMarket)
United Kingdom’s Competition Authority - CMA (London)
United Kingdom 177 contributions 31599 visits
CMA fines ComparetheMarket £17.9m for competition law breach* The CMA has fined ComparetheMarket £17.9 million after it found that clauses used in the company’s contracts with home insurers breached competition law. An investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has concluded (...)

The Guernsey Competition Authority maintains complaint against an important electricity company to enforce its transparency (Guernsey Electricity)
Guernsey Competition Authority
Guernsey 2 contributions 66 visits
GCRA upholds complaint against Guernsey Electricity* The Guernsey Competition and Regulatory Authority (GCRA) has found that Guernsey Electricity Limited (GEL) has breached its Electricity Licence Conditions by failing in its obligation to publish the prices it charges a select number of (...)

The UK Competition Authority fines a comparison website for use of wide MFN clauses (ComparetheMarket)
Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgium 148 contributions 42748 visits
,
Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgium 12 contributions 490 visits
On 19 November 2020, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (“CMA”) fined the price comparison website ComparetheMarket, and its parent companies, £ 17.9 million for breaching the UK and EU competition rules. The CMA found that ComparetheMarket breached the prohibition of anti-competitive (...)

The EU General Court upholds the Commission’s decision finding that the national railway company of Lithuania abused its dominant position on the national rail freight market (Lietuvos geležinkelai)
General Court of the European Union (Luxembourg)
Luxembourg 18 contributions 3559 visits
The General Court upholds the Commission’s decision finding that the national railway company of Lithuania abused its dominant position on the Lithuanian rail freight market* Lietuvos geležinkeliai AB (‘LG’), the national railway company of Lithuania, both manages railway infrastructure and (...)

The EU General Court maintains Commission decision finding that a Lithuanian railway company abused its dominant position on the national rail freight sector (Lietuvos geležinkelai)
Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgium 5 contributions 383 visits
On 18 November 2020, the General Court (“GC”) issued its judgment confirming the European Commission’s (“Commission”) decision to fine Lithuanian Railways for the abuse of its dominant position on the Lithuanian rail freight market. The GC rejected all of the appellant’s complaints, but reduced the (...)

The Hellenic Competition Authority releases a statement of objections for alleged abuse of dominant position as well as contractual terms and practices related to the operation of the distribution network against a company in the market of press distribution (ARGOS)
Hellenic Competition Authority (Athens)
Greece 53 contributions 8806 visits
Statement of Objections following an ex officio investigation in the market of Press distribution, in relation to alleged infringements of Articles 1 and 2 of Law 3959/2011 and /or Articles 101 and 102 TFEU, as well as an ex officio investigation initiated pursuant to HCC’s Decision No (...)

The Hungarian Supreme Court upholds Competition Authority’s finding that a food retail company has abused its dominance (Auchan)
Hungarian Competition Authority (Budapest)
Hungary 56 contributions 9159 visits
The GVH won the case against Auchan at the Curia of Hungary* Budapest, 13 November 2020 - The Curia of Hungary upheld in its entirety the GVH’s decision to impose a record fine of more than one billion forints. Thus, it has now become final that Auchan has abused its significant market power. (...)

The New Zealand Competition Authority proposes that a regulated monopolist can spend $523 million to fix its electricity lines network in Dunedin, Central Otago, and Queenstown Lakes (Aurora Energy)
New Zealand Commerce Commission
New Zealand 64 contributions 7341 visits
Commission proposes Aurora can spend $523m to fix its network* The Commerce Commission has today released for consultation a package of measures in response to Aurora Energy’s plan to fix its electricity lines network in Dunedin, Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes. In June 2020, Aurora filed (...)

The EU Commission sends statement of objections to global e-commerce company for the use of non-public independent seller data and opens second investigation into its e-commerce business practices (Amazon)
DG COMP (Brussels)
Belgium 701 contributions 1468264 visits
Antitrust: Commission sends Statement of Objections to Amazon for the use of non-public independent seller data and opens second investigation into its e-commerce business practices* The European Commission has informed Amazon of its preliminary view that it has breached EU antitrust rules by (...)

The Polish Competition Authority fines manufacturer of musical equipment for resale price maintenance (Yamaha Music Europe)
Polish Competition Authority (Warsaw)
Poland 44 contributions 4873 visits
Decision of the President of UOKiK on overpricing of Yamaha musical equpiment* For 13 years, Yamaha Music Europe has been setting minimum prices for resale of musical equipment in online stores in Poland with its distributors. President of UOKiK Tomasz Chróstny imposed a fine of half a million (...)

The Italian Competition Authority fines a plastic supply chain consortium €27 million for abuse of dominant position in the recovery of pet plastic packaging (Corepla)
Italian Competition Authority (Rome)
Italy 40 contributions 7399 visits
ICA: sanction of €27 million to Corepla for abuse of dominant position in the recovery of pet plastic packaging* The Authority has found that the consortium has impeded competition and innovation in the services aimed at the recovery and recycling of pet bottles for food use The Competition (...)

The Russian Competition Authority confirms that the pharmaceutical company with a dominant position in wholesale of certain generics ceased problematic behavior and signed a contract for medicine supply (Ipsen / Biotek)
Russian Federal Antimonopoly Service (Moscow)
France 281 contributions 31315 visits
Ipsen Company Comply With the Warning of the FAS Russia* Pharmaceutical company made required amendments to the Commercial policy and signed a contract with a distributor to supply their products FAS Russia received a notification of the Ipsen LLC that the company ceased the actions that (...)

The UK Supreme Court hands down a judgment in a competition damages litigation and makes key observations on when a judicial decision of the EU courts is binding in other proceedings (Servier)
Shearman & Sterling (Brussels)
Belgium 11 contributions 3794 visits
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Shearman & Sterling (London)
United Kingdom 16 contributions 7808 visits
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Shearman & Sterling (London)
United Kingdom 2 contributions 179 visits
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Holds Findings Made by European Courts Cannot Be Relied on in Different Context in Other Proceedings On November 6, 2020 the U.K. Supreme Court handed down a judgment relating to the Servier U.K. competition damages litigation, in which it made key observations on when a judicial decision of (...)

The Polish Competition Authority fines apple concentrate manufacturer for abuse of contractual advantage against its apple suppliers by significantly delaying payments to them (Appol)
Polish Competition Authority (Warsaw)
Poland 44 contributions 4873 visits
PLN 1.7 million penalty for Appol company for delayed payments to apple growers* The Appol company has been abusing its contractual advantage against apple suppliers by significantly delaying the payments for the completed deliveries of raw material for apple concentrate. President of UOKiK (...)

The Spanish Competition Authority initiates disciplinary proceedings against an industrial equipment supplier for alleged resale price maintenance and related restrictive practices (Maquinaria Garrido)
Spanish Competition Authority (Madrid)
Spain 25 contributions 3604 visits
The CNMC initiates disciplinary proceedings against Maquinaria Garrido S.L. for alleged practices prohibited by the Anti-Trust Law* It is investigating the possible restriction of passive sales by its official distributors outside its exclusive territory, and the possible fixing of resale (...)

The Italian Competition Authority announces it is continuing its inquiry into the alleged abuse of dominance by a pharmaceutical company (Leadiant)
Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgique 89 contributions 18148 visites
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Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgium 13 contributions 2443 visits
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Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgium 13 contributions 2443 visits
The Italian competition authority, the “Autorità garante della concorrenza e del mercato” ( AGCM ), announced yesterday that it would continue its inquiry into the practices of pharmaceutical company Leadiant Biosciences ( Leadiant ) until 30 June 2021 (see, attached extract from AGCM’s latest (...)

The Croatian Competition Authority fines a food re-seller for imposing unfair trading practices on its suppliers including consistent late payment of supply invoices (Ribola)
Croatian Competition Agency (Zagreb)
Croatia 64 contributions 10244 visits
Unfair Trading Practices – CCA Imposes Hrk 65,000 Fine on Ribola* The Croatian Competition Agency (CCA) opened ex officio infringement proceeding within the meaning of the Act on prohibition of unfair trading practices in the business-to-business food supply chain (UTPs Act) with the view to (...)

Mergers

 The US FTC sues an internet listing services provider to block the acquisition of competitors (CoStar Group / RentPath)
US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (Washington)
United States 52 contributions 6326 visits
FTC Sues to Block CoStar Group, Inc.’s Proposed Acquisition of Chief Competitor RentPath Holdings, Inc.* Companies operate internet listing services such as Apartments.com and ApartmentGuide.com The Federal Trade Commission has filed an administrative complaint, and authorized a suit in (...)

The Dutch Competition Authority clears acquisition of national northern newspapers by media company (Mediahuis)
Netherlands Authority for Consumers & Markets (The Hague)
Pays-Bas 132 contributions 16548 visites
ACM clears acquisition of northern newspapers by media company Mediahuis* The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has cleared the acquisition of Dutch publisher NDC mediagroep by Mediahuis. NDC is a relatively small competitor on the newspaper market. The acquisition will not (...)

The Australian Competition Authority begins consultation on the proposed acquisition of health and wellness undertaking by Big tech company (Google / Fitbit)
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (Canberra)
Australia 196 contributions 24749 visits
Consultation begins on proposed Google Fitbit undertaking* The ACCC is seeking views on a proposed court-enforceable undertaking offered in Australia to the ACCC by Google in relation to its proposed acquisition of Fitbit, Inc (Fitbit). “Our decision to begin consultation should not be (...)

The EU Commission clears several telecommunication undertakings’ acquisition of fibre network operator, subject to conditions (Altice / Allianz / Omer / Covage)
DG COMP (Brussels)
Belgium 701 contributions 1468264 visits
Mergers: Commission clears Altice, Allianz and Omers’ joint acquisition of Covage, subject to conditions* The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of Covage by SFR FTTH, a company jointly controlled by Altice, Allianz and Omers. The approval (...)

The German Competition Authority clears the business-to-consumer side of a Phase II merger of furniture stores, subject to conditions and subject to clearance of the business-to-business side of the merger by the EU Commission (XXXLutz / Tessner group)
German Competition Authority (Bonn)
Allemagne 310 contributions 60841 visites
Bundeskartellamt clears merger of XXXLutz and the Tessner group (Roller, tejo’s, Schulenburg) only subject to conditions* Following an in-depth examination the Bundeskartellamt has cleared the planned acquisition by Mann Mobilia Beteiligungs GmbH, based in Würzburg (part of the Austrian XXXLutz (...)

The US DoJ requires divestiture of digital do-it-yourself tax preparation business for the merger of financial software companies to proceed (Intuit / Credit Karma)
US Department of Justice - Antitrust Division (Washington)
United States 64 contributions 13014 visits
Justice Department Requires Divestiture of Credit Karma Tax for Intuit to Proceed with Acquisition of Credit Karma* Divestiture Will Preserve Competition for Digital Do-It-Yourself Tax Preparation Products The Department of Justice announced today that it is requiring Intuit Inc. and Credit (...)

The German Competition Authority unconditionally clears merger of online classified ads platforms (eBay Classifieds Group / Adevinta)
German Competition Authority (Bonn)
Allemagne 310 contributions 60841 visites
Bundeskartellamt clears merger between eBay Classifieds Group and Adevinta* The Bundeskartellamt has cleared the notified merger between the eBay Classified Group and Adevinta. As a result of the merger the previous eBay subsidiary eBay Classifieds Group will be taken over by Adevinta. In the (...)

The German Competition Authority clears hospital merger in the eastern Ruhr area (Kath. St.-Johannes-Gesellschaft Dortmund / Katholische St. Lukas Gesellschaft / Marienkrankenhaus Schwerte gem. / Katholische Klinikum Lünen)
German Competition Authority (Bonn)
Allemagne 310 contributions 60841 visites
Bundeskartellamt clears hospital merger in the eastern Ruhr area* The Bundeskartellamt has no objections to the establishment of a new hospital holding company by the operators of Kath. St.-Johannes-Gesellschaft Dortmund gGmbH, Dortmund, Katholische St. Lukas Gesellschaft mbH, Dortmund, (...)

The EU Commission refers the acquisition of a telecom company back to the UK Competition Authority (Telefónica / Liberty Global)
DG COMP (Brussels)
Belgium 701 contributions 1468264 visits
Mergers: Commission refers acquisition of newly created joint venture by Telefónica and Liberty Global to the UK competition authority* The European Commission has referred the proposed acquisition by Telefónica S.A. and Liberty Global PLC of a newly created joint venture to the Consumers and (...)

The UK Competition Authority gets a case referred back by the EU Commission concerning a merger in the telecommunications sector (Telefónica / Liberty Global)
United Kingdom’s Competition Authority - CMA (London)
United Kingdom 177 contributions 31599 visits
European Commission refers review of Virgin and O2 deal to CMA* Following a request from the CMA, the European Commission has referred the proposed merger of Virgin Media and Virgin Mobile with O2 to the CMA for investigation. Following the announcement of the deal on 7 May 2020, the (...)

The Belgian Competition Authority authorizes with remedies the acquisition of a commercial vehicles dealer company by its competitor (Delorge group / Coox)
Belgian Competition Authority (Brussels)
Belgium 58 contributions 12649 visits
Decision of the Competition College of the BCA in respect of the merger between the Delorge group and Coox* The Competition College of the Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) has on 19 November 2020 authorized with remedies the acquisition by the Holding Groep Delorge BV (Groep Automotive (...)

The German Competition Authority clears the merger of two book retailers (Thalia / Osiander)
German Competition Authority (Bonn)
Allemagne 310 contributions 60841 visites
Bundeskartellamt clears merger of Thalia and Osiander* The Bundeskartellamt has today cleared the notified merger of the two book retailers Thalia and Osiander. With 312 bookshops across the country, Thalia is the largest bookstore chain in Germany; Osiander runs 72 bookshops mainly located (...)

The Polish Competition Authority informs about its reservation on the concentration of two companies in the media sector (Agora / Eurozet)
Polish Competition Authority (Warsaw)
Poland 44 contributions 4873 visits
Agora/Eurozet concentration - reservations expressed by the President of UOKiK* President of UOKiK Tomasz Chróstny has informed the parties of their reservations about the transaction of Agora taking over Eurozet and indicated that such concentration may lead to the restriction of competition. (...)

The French Competition Authority clears, without remedies, the merger between two companies in the clothing sector (Oosterdam / Happychic)
Autorité de la concurrence (Paris)
France 591 contributions 218596 visites
The Autorité de la concurrence clears the merger of Oosterdam (Pimkie, Grain de Malice) and Happychic (Jules, Brice, Bizzbee) groups* The Oosterdam (Pimkie, Grain de Malice) and Happychic (Jules, Brice, Bizzbee) groups, both ultimately owned by members of the Mulliez family, have notified the (...)

The Dutch Competition Authority clears a merger in the telecommunications sector (Simpel / T-mobile)
Netherlands Authority for Consumers & Markets (The Hague)
Pays-Bas 132 contributions 16548 visites
ACM clears acquisition of Dutch telecom operator Simpel by rival operator T-Mobile* The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has cleared the acquisition of telecom operator Simpel by rival operator T-Mobile. Over its fixed and mobile networks, T-Mobile offers consumers various (...)

The French Competition Authority clears the acquisition of 556 stores subject to divestment of 9 stores (Leader Price / Aldi)
Autorité de la concurrence (Paris)
France 591 contributions 218596 visites
Aldi – Leader Price transaction: The Autorité clears the acquisition of 554 Leader Price stores and 2 Casino stores by Aldi, subject to the divestiture of 9 stores* In a decision issued today, the Autorité de la concurrence cleared the acquisition of Leader Price by Aldi, subject to conditions. (...)

The UK Competition Authority launches consultation on revised merger assessment guidelines
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (Brussels)
Belgium 23 contributions 11913 visits
,
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (Brussels)
Belgium 46 contributions 19304 visits
,
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (Brussels)
Belgium 15 contributions 3648 visits
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Following its review of a series of global deals in the digital markets space, the U.K.’s Competition & Markets Authority (the CMA) has launched a consultation on revised merger assessment guidelines (the draft guidelines) codifying its evolving practice in the digital sector and addressing (...)

The UK Competition Authority proposes updates to the merger control guidance and procedure
Baker Botts (Brussels)
Belgium 24 contributions 41678 visits
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Baker Botts (Brussels)
Belgium 19 contributions 10263 visits
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Baker Botts (Brussels)
Belgium 7 contributions 3653 visits
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In preparation for the end of the Brexit transition period, the CMA has recently released two consultations inviting comments on proposed updates to its merger control guidance and procedures. On 17 November 2020, the CMA released draft updates to its Merger Assessment Guidelines, which contain (...)

The UK Competition Authority opens consultation on revised merger assessment guidelines
Morgan Lewis (London)
United Kingdom 9 contributions 3991 visits
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Morgan Lewis (London)
United Kingdom 2 contributions 314 visits
The UK Competition and Markets Authority published for consultation updated guidelines setting out its approach to analysing mergers on 17 November. The guidelines update the current merger assessment guidelines (CC2/OFT1254), which date back to 2010, in order to reflect developments in the (...)

The Ecuadorian Government issues the second package of reforms to its merger competition regime
Pérez Bustamante & Ponce (Quito)
Ecuador 2 contributions 368 visits
New reforms to Ecuador’s merger control regime and restrictions ‘by object’* Last week (November 17, 2020), Ecuador’s Executive Branch issued the second package of reforms to its competition regime this year (Executive Decree 1193). The two main changes have to do with merger control and with (...)

The German Competition Authority finds competition concerns in proposed merger of major food retailers and extends the deadline for a decision to negotiate solutions with the companies (Kaufland / Real)
German Competition Authority (Bonn)
Allemagne 310 contributions 60841 visites
Bundeskartellamt has concerns about Kaufland’s acquisition of Real stores - negotiations on commitments - deadline extended to 30 December* The Bundeskartellamt is currently examining plans by Kaufland to acquire up to 101 Real stores from SCP Retail S.àr.l. The authority has today informed the (...)

The UK Competition Appeal Tribunal supports the Competition Authority’s approach to estimating the merger effects on consumers but finds that it did not gather enough information about the impact of COVID-19 on the merger (JD Sports / Footasylum) Free
United Kingdom’s Competition Authority - CMA (London)
United Kingdom 177 contributions 31599 visits
CMA considers next steps in JD Sports/Footasylum merger* The CMA is considering its next steps following today’s Competition Appeal Tribunal judgment in the JD Sports/Footasylum case. JD Sports had appealed the Competition and Market Authority’s (CMA) final decision to block its takeover of (...)

The Slovak Competition Authority approves a merger grounded on the acquisition of direct exclusive control in the sector of health care (AGEL SK / Faculty Hospital / Polyclinic Skalica)
Slovak Competition Authority (Bratislava)
Slovakia 25 contributions 2742 visits
MERGERS: AMO SR approved the merger of undertakings AGEL SK a.s. and Faculty Hospital with Polyclinic Skalica, a.s.* On 3 November 2020 the Antimonopoly Office of the Slovak Republic, the Division of Concentrations, (hereafter "the Office") approved a merger grounded in the acquisition of (...)

The UK Competition Appeal Tribunal upholds the appeal brought by a company for a merger in the sport retail sector in light of the COVID-19 pandemic (JD Sports / Footasylum) Free
Ashurst (London)
United Kingdom 11 contributions 1132 visits
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Ashurst (London)
United Kingdom 2 contributions 88 visits
On 13 November 2020, the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal ("CAT") published its judgment in relation to the merger of JD Sports and Footasylum. The merger was prohibited by the UK Competition and Markets Authority ("CMA") in May, but JD Sports appealed. The CAT partially upheld the appeal and the (...)

The US FTC sues to block proposed acquisition of two Memphis-area hospitals (Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare / Saint Francis)
US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (Washington)
United States 52 contributions 6326 visits
FTC Sues to Block Proposed Acquisition of Two Memphis-Area Hospitals* Transaction would eliminate competition, increase prices, and reduce quality of care The Federal Trade Commission has filed an administrative complaint, and authorized a suit in federal court, to block the proposed $350 (...)

The UK Competition Appeal Tribunal dismisses the Competition Authority’s decision and authorizes the acquisition of a company in the sports retailing sector in light of the COVID-19 pandemic (JD Sports / Footasylum) Free
Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgium 12 contributions 3139 visits
On 13 November 2020, the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal (“CAT”) upheld an appeal brought by JD Sports against the Competition and Markets Authority’s (“CMA”) decision to prohibit its already completed acquisition of rival retailer Footasylum. On 6 May 2020, the CMA had blocked the merger between the (...)

The UK Competition Appeal Tribunal dismisses a social media company’s appeal against an order of the Competition Authority preventing a merger (Facebook / Giphy)
Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgium 12 contributions 490 visits
On 13 November 2020, the UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal (“CAT”) dismissed Facebook’s appeal against an order by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (“CMA”) preventing Facebook from integrating with Giphy, a company it had acquired while the CMA conducted its investigation into the (...)

The Croatian Competition Authority informs that the remedy of divesting shares in the national telecom merger has been carried out (Optima / HT)
Croatian Competition Agency (Zagreb)
Croatia 64 contributions 10244 visits
CCA OFFICIAL STATEMENT REGARDING THE PUBLISHING OF INFORMATION IN THE DIVESTMENT PROCEDURE OF OPTIMA SHARES BY HT* With respect to the queries of third parties, the Croatian Competition Agency (CCA) herewith informs the public that the divestment procedure involving the selling off the shares (...)

The UK Competition Appeal Tribunal upholds the Competition Authority’s suspension of the merger between a social media company and online graphics database company pending ongoing investigation (Facebook / Giphy)
United Kingdom’s Competition Authority - CMA (London)
United Kingdom 177 contributions 31599 visits
CMA welcomes Tribunal judgment in Facebook and Giphy case* The CMA welcomes today’s Competition Appeal Tribunal judgment which dismissed all of Facebook’s grounds of appeal. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is currently investigating Facebook’s purchase of Giphy, which completed on 15 (...)

The UK Competition Appeal Tribunal upholds the Competition Authority’s decision to prevent the acquisition of an online graphics database by a social media company (Facebook / Giphy)
Ashurst (London)
United Kingdom 19 contributions 10938 visits
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Ashurst (London)
United Kingdom 9 contributions 2095 visits
In a unanimous judgment, the Competition Appeal Tribunal ("CAT") dismissed Facebook’s application challenging the CMA’s refusal to grant certain derogations from an initial enforcement order ("IEO") imposed in connection with Facebook’s completed acquisition of GIPHY, Inc. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW - (...)

The UK Competition Authority agrees to fast track review of the country’s 2 largest equity crowdfunding platforms (Crowdcube / Seedrs)
United Kingdom’s Competition Authority - CMA (London)
United Kingdom 177 contributions 31599 visits
Crowdcube/Seedrs deal fast tracked to in-depth CMA investigation* The CMA has agreed to ‘fast track’ the anticipated merger of Crowdcube and Seedrs to an in-depth Phase 2 investigation, after finding likely competition concerns. Crowdcube Limited (Crowdcube) and Seedrs Limited (Seedrs) are the (...)

The Slovak Competition Authority opens proceedings for the merger of two energy companies (ČEZ ESCO / Slovenský plynárenský priemysel)
Slovak Competition Authority (Bratislava)
Slovakia 25 contributions 2742 visits
MERGERS: AMO SR initiated an administrative proceedings in the matter of a merger of companies ČEZ ESCO, a.s., and Slovenský plynárenský priemysel, a. s.* On 10 November 2020 the Antimonopoly Office of the Slovak Republic, the Division of Concentrations, (hereafter "the Office”) initiated an (...)

The UK Government introduces a bill which strengthens its ability to investigate and intervene in foreign direct investments that have a potential to threaten national security
United Kingdom’s Competition Authority - CMA (London)
United Kingdom 177 contributions 31599 visits
New powers to protect UK from malicious investment and strengthen economic resilience* New Bill will modernise government’s powers to investigate and intervene in potentially hostile foreign direct investment. The National Security and Investment Bill will strengthen the UK’s ability to (...)

The Norwegian Competition Authority prohibits the acquisition of a car digital marketplace by a competitor (Schibsted / Nettbil)
Norwegian Competition Authority
Norway 10 contributions 1071 visits
Schibsted must sell Nettbil* The Norwegian Competition Authority has decided to intervene against Schibsted’s acquisition of Nettbil. The Authority is of the view that the acquisition will weaken competition in the market for online sales of used cars and will result in poorer services for (...)

The UK Competition Authority clears a trading systems firm’s proposal to sell its fixed-income business in order to resolve competition concerns about the completed merger (ION Technology Group / Broadway Technology)
United Kingdom’s Competition Authority - CMA (London)
United Kingdom 177 contributions 31599 visits
Trading systems firms address CMA competition concerns* The CMA has accepted a proposal from ION to sell Broadway’s fixed income business in order to resolve competition concerns about the completed merger. ION Investment Group Limited (ION) and Broadway Technology Holdings (Broadway) provide (...)

The UK Competition Authority launches consultation on updated merger guidance
United Kingdom’s Competition Authority - CMA (London)
United Kingdom 177 contributions 31599 visits
CMA launches consultation on updated merger guidance* The CMA has today launched a consultation on updates to 2 of its merger guidance documents. The guidance has been updated in preparation for the end of the Transition Period following the UK’s departure from the European Union. The updates (...)

The UK Competition Authority updates its merger guidance documents
Morgan Lewis (London)
United Kingdom 9 contributions 3991 visits
,
Morgan Lewis (London)
United Kingdom 1 contribution 139 visits
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on 6 November published draft updates to two of its merger guidance documents (CMA2 and CMA56) in preparation for the end of the Brexit Transition Period on 31 December 2020. The CMA has launched a consultation on the proposed amendments which (...)

The UK Competition Authority blocks an already completed merger of retail investment software firms (FNZ / GBST)
Ashurst (London)
United Kingdom 11 contributions 1132 visits
,
Ashurst (London)
United Kingdom 2 contributions 51 visits
On 6 November 2020, the UK Competition and Markets Authority ("CMA") ordered FNZ to sell GBST, having concluded that the acquisition raised significant competition concerns in the supply of software and services which enable retail investment platforms in the UK. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW - KEY (...)

The Australian Competition Authority investigates acquisition of shares between two financial comparison sites (iSelect / Innovation Holdings)
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (Canberra)
Australia 196 contributions 24749 visits
ACCC to investigate the acquisition of iSelect shares by Compare the Market’s owners* The ACCC is investigating acquisitions by Innovation Holdings Australia Pty Ltd. that would provide it with approximately 35 per cent of the shares of iSelect Limited (ASX: ISU). Innovation Holdings (through (...)

The UK Competition Authority orders reversal of completed merger between two largest suppliers of retail platform solutions to investment platforms (FNZ / GBST)
United Kingdom’s Competition Authority - CMA (London)
United Kingdom 177 contributions 31599 visits
CMA blocks investment technology merger* The CMA has ordered FNZ to sell GBST after finding their completed merger could lead to a reduction in the quality of service and higher prices. In its final report, published today, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has found that the deal (...)

The US DoJ sues to block a global credit card company’s proposed acquisition of a leading financial data aggregation company (Visa / Plaid)
US Department of Justice - Antitrust Division (Washington)
United States 64 contributions 13014 visits
Justice Department Sues to Block Visa’s Proposed Acquisition of Plaid* Acquisition Would Eliminate Nascent Competitor Plaid and Prevent Disruption of Visa’s Monopoly in Online Debit Today, the Department of Justice filed a civil antitrust lawsuit to stop Visa Inc.’s $5.3 billion acquisition of (...)

The UK Competition Authority blocks completed investment technology merger after finding it would lessen competition (FNZ / GBST)
Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgium 12 contributions 490 visits
On 5 November 2020, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (“CMA”) ordered the platform technology provider FNZ to sell GBST after finding that the completed merger between the two rivals would result in a substantial lessening of competition, which would lead to higher prices and a reduction (...)

The Australian Competition Authority closes investigation into the merger of commercial laundry services firms after the firms withdraw from the merger (South Pacific Laundry / Spotless Laundries)
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (Canberra)
Australia 196 contributions 24749 visits
South Pacific Laundry withdraws bid for Spotless Laundries* South Pacific Laundry (SPL) has withdrawn its request for merger clearance of its proposed acquisition of Spotless Laundries after it decided not to proceed with the transaction. Spotless Laundries is part of Spotless Group Holdings (...)

The UK Competition Authority accepts sale of firm’s global total ankle replacement business as a remedy to clear the merger of medical suppliers of orthopaedic products (Stryker / Wright Medical Group)
United Kingdom’s Competition Authority - CMA (London)
United Kingdom 177 contributions 31599 visits
Medical device supplier resolves CMA concerns* The CMA has accepted a proposal from Stryker to sell its business in the UK total ankle prostheses market to resolve competition concerns. Stryker Corporation (Stryker) and Wright Medical Group N.V. (Wright) both manufacture a range of (...)

The US FTC clears merger of medical device companies subject to divestments (Stryker / Wright Medical Group)
US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (Washington)
United States 52 contributions 6326 visits
FTC Requires Medical Device Companies Stryker Corp. and Wright Medical Group N.V. to Divest Assets to Preserve Competition* The Federal Trade Commission will require medical device companies Stryker Corp. and Wright Medical Group N.V. to divest all assets related to Stryker’s total ankle (...)

The Dutch Competition Authority clears acquisition of parts of a health care provider after transfer of district nursing in two towns (Careyn / Thebe)
Netherlands Authority for Consumers & Markets (The Hague)
Pays-Bas 132 contributions 16548 visites
ACM clears acquisition of parts of health care provider Careyn by Thebe after transfer of district nursing in two towns* The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has conditionally cleared health care provider Thebe Wijkverpleging to acquire some of the activities of rival (...)

The UK Competition Authority cancels its investigation into the educational supplies merger after firms announce their withdrawal (YPO / Findel)
United Kingdom’s Competition Authority - CMA (London)
United Kingdom 177 contributions 31599 visits
Educational supplies firms abandon merger during CMA investigation* YPO has abandoned its proposed deal with Findel. The CMA published its provisional findings outlining its concerns about the merger last month. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has therefore today confirmed it (...)

State Aid

 The EU Commission approves a competitive tender mechanism to compensate for early closure of hard coal-fired power plants in Germany
DG COMP (Brussels)
Belgium 701 contributions 1468264 visits
State aid: Commission approves competitive tender mechanism to compensate for early closure of hard coal-fired power plants in Germany* The European Commission found that a competitive tender mechanism introduced by Germany to compensate hard coal-fired power plants for phasing out earlier (...)

The EFTA Surveillance Authority approves amendments to a compensation scheme for bus and passenger boat services in Norway due to the COVID-19 pandemic Free
EFTA Surveillance Authority (Brussels)
Belgium 47 contributions 4384 visits
COVID-19 pandemic: ESA approves amendments to a compensation scheme for bus and passenger boat services in Norway* The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) has today approved amendments making it easier for eligible bus and boat service operators to access funding. On 20 July 2020, ESA approved (...)

The EU Commission approves Austrian measures to support rail freight and passenger operators affected by the COVID-19 outbreak Free
DG COMP (Brussels)
Belgium 701 contributions 1468264 visits
State aid: Commission approves Austrian measures to support rail freight and passenger operators affected by the coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, two Austrian measures supporting the rail freight sector and one measure supporting the rail (...)

The EFTA Surveillance Authority approves prolonged support to airlines in Norway due to the COVID-19 pandemic Free
EFTA Surveillance Authority (Brussels)
Belgium 47 contributions 4384 visits
COVID-19 pandemic: ESA approves prolonged support to airlines in Norway* The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) has today approved an amendment and prolongation of the existing guarantee scheme for airline operators facing acute liquidity shortages until 30 June 2021. Air travel has plummeted (...)

The EU Commission approves €120 million Luxembourg scheme to support uncovered fixed costs of companies affected by COVID-19 outbreak Free
DG COMP (Brussels)
Belgium 701 contributions 1468264 visits
State aid: Commission approves €120 million Luxembourg scheme to support uncovered fixed costs of companies affected by coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has approved a Luxembourg State aid scheme to support the uncovered fixed costs of companies affected by the coronavirus (...)

The EU Commission approves German “umbrella” scheme to support uncovered fixed costs of companies affected by the COVID-19 outbreak Free
DG COMP (Brussels)
Belgium 701 contributions 1468264 visits
State aid: Commission approves German “umbrella” scheme to support uncovered fixed costs of companies affected by coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has approved a German “umbrella” scheme to support the uncovered fixed costs of companies affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme (...)

The EU Commission approves Austrian ”Fixkostenzuschuss Phase II” scheme to support uncovered fixed costs of companies affected by the COVID-19 outbreak Free
DG COMP (Brussels)
Belgium 701 contributions 1468264 visits
State aid: Commission approves Austrian ”Fixkostenzuschuss Phase II” scheme to support uncovered fixed costs of companies affected by coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has approved the Austrian “Fixkostenzuschuss Phase II” scheme to support the uncovered fixed costs of companies (...)

The EU Commission approves Danish fund to enable €1.34 billion of capital support to large companies affected by COVID-19 outbreak Free
DG COMP (Brussels)
Belgium 701 contributions 1468264 visits
State aid: Commission approves Danish fund to enable €1.34 billion of capital support to large companies affected by coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has approved Danish plans to set up a fund with a target size of up to DKK 10 billion (approximately €1.34 billion) to recapitalise (...)

The Polish Competition Authority extends its aid programs to help entrepreneurs during the COVID-19 pandemic Free
Polish Competition Authority (Warsaw)
Poland 44 contributions 4873 visits
UOKiK notifies extension of aid programmes* On 13 November of this year UOKiK has notified the extension of the aid programmes to the European Union, the objective of which is to support Polish entrepreneurs in relation to the Covid-19 epidemic. The Authority expects the EC to issue its (...)

The EFTA Court defines notions of “undertaking” and “economic activities” concerning services in support of Norwegian digital health infrastructure (Abelia / WTW)
Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgium 6 contributions 293 visits
,
Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgium 20 contributions 1131 visits
,
Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgium 131 contributions 22957 visits
On 17 November 2020, the EFTA Court dismissed an application for annulment against the EFTA Surveillance Authority (“ESA”) Decision No 57/19/COL of 10 July 2019 (the “Contested decision”). The Contested decision found that the public financing of eHealth and digital health infrastructure in the (...)

The EU Commission Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager gives a speech on the future of State aid rules for the recovery from the current COVID-19 outbreak Free
Jones Day (Brussels)
Belgium 4 contributions 452 visits
On 16 November 2020, Executive VP and Competition Commissioner Vestager spoke at the State Aid High Level Forum of the Member States, focusing on new State aid rules to respond to the current economic crisis caused by the pandemic. In addition to the Temporary Framework for State Aid, which is (...)

The EU Commission approves German nation-wide scheme to support the deployment of Gigabit networks in Germany
DG COMP (Brussels)
Belgium 701 contributions 1468264 visits
State aid: Commission approves German nation-wide scheme to support deployment of Gigabit networks in Germany* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a German scheme to support the deployment of very high capacity broadband networks offering Gigabit speeds in Germany. (...)

The EFTA Surveillance Authority approves prolongation of Norwegian guarantee scheme that ensures access to liquidity for companies due to the COVID-19 pandemic Free
EFTA Surveillance Authority (Brussels)
Belgium 47 contributions 4384 visits
COVID-19 pandemic: ESA approves prolongation of Norwegian support to businesses* The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) has today approved amendments to a guarantee scheme in Norway that ensures access to liquidity for companies, including a prolongation of the scheme. On 26 March 2020, ESA (...)

The EFTA Surveillance Authority approves Norwegian prolongation of trade credit insurance scheme due to the COVID-19 pandemic Free
EFTA Surveillance Authority (Brussels)
Belgium 47 contributions 4384 visits
COVID-19 pandemic: ESA approves prolongation of trade credit insurance scheme* The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) has today approved the prolongation of a scheme ensuring access to trade credit insurance for enterprises with activity in Norway. The scheme aims to ensure access to trade (...)

The EFTA Surveillance Authority approves prolongation of Norwegian assistance to regions in the form of regionally differentiated social security contributions
EFTA Surveillance Authority (Brussels)
Belgium 47 contributions 4384 visits
ESA approves prolongation of Norwegian assistance to regions* The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) has today decided to approve a prolongation of regionally differentiated social security contributions in Norway. Since 1975, social security contributions have been regionally differentiated (...)

The EFTA Surveillance Authority approves Icelandic schemes to compensate companies suffering income losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic Free
EFTA Surveillance Authority (Brussels)
Belgium 47 contributions 4384 visits
COVID-19 pandemic: ESA approves Icelandic schemes to compensate companies* The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) has today approved two Icelandic schemes that will offer direct grants to companies suffering income losses as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Since the outbreak of the (...)

The EU Commission approves €150 million Romanian scheme to support investments in district heating systems based on renewable energy sources
DG COMP (Brussels)
Belgium 701 contributions 1468264 visits
State aid: Commission approves €150 million Romanian scheme to support investments in district heating systems based on renewable energy sources* The European Commission has approved, under EU State Aid rules, a Romanian scheme to support the construction and/or upgrade of district heating (...)

The EFTA Surveillance Authority approves Norwegian renewal of support scheme for cultural events due to the COVID-19 pandemic Free
EFTA Surveillance Authority (Brussels)
Belgium 47 contributions 4384 visits
COVID-19 pandemic: ESA approves renewal of support scheme for cultural events in Norway* The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) has today approved renewal and amendments of a scheme to cover losses following cancellation and postponement of events. Events across Norway have been cancelled or (...)

The EU Commission approves €1.5 billion Dutch scheme to compensate public transport companies for damages suffered due to COVID-19 outbreak Free
DG COMP (Brussels)
Belgium 701 contributions 1468264 visits
State aid: Commission approves €1.5 billion Dutch scheme to compensate public transport companies for damages suffered due to coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a Dutch scheme of around €1.5 billion to compensate companies providing regional and (...)

Procedures

 The EU Court of Justice rules that a hotel using an online booking platform may, in principle, bring proceedings against that platform before a court of the Member State in which that hotel is established in order to bring to an end a possible abuse of a dominant position (Wikingerhof / Booking.com)
European Court of Justice (Luxembourg)
Luxembourg 18 contributions 3440 visits
A hotel using the platform Booking.com may, in principle, bring proceedings against Booking.com before a court of the Member State in which that hotel is established in order to bring to an end a possible abuse of a dominant position* Even though the practices which are thus the subject of (...)

The EU Court of Justice rules that an online travel agency has abused its dominant position, and opens greater access to victims to bring actions before national courts (Wikingerhof / Booking.com)
Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
France 6 contributions 295 visits
,
Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgium 6 contributions 4582 visits
On 24 November 2020, the Grand Chamber of the Court of Justice (the “ECJ”) ruled that the special jurisdiction rule for tort disputes under Regulation 1215/2012 (the “Brussels I bis Regulation”) applies to actions based on a breach of competition law, even within the context of a contractual (...)

The US DoJ signs a memorandum of understanding with Korean prosecution service to promote increased cooperation and communication on criminal antitrust enforcement and policy in both countries
US Department of Justice - Antitrust Division (Washington)
United States 64 contributions 13016 visits
Justice Department Signs Antitrust Memorandum of Understanding with Korean Prosecution Service* Yesterday, the Department of Justice signed an antitrust Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Korean Prosecution Service (KPS). The MOU is designed to promote increased cooperation and (...)

The French Competition Authority declines its competence for ruling on practices implemented in French Polynesia
French Competition Authority (Paris)
France 591 contributions 218596 visits
The Autorité de la concurrence declines its competence for ruling on practices implemented in French Polynesia* In its decision of 22 August 2019, the Autorité polynésienne de la concurrence ruled that the Wane Group had breached the Polynesian Code of Competition Law (code de la concurrence (...)

The French Competition Authority welcomes the decisive step towards transposition of the ECN+ Directive taken by Parliament with the adoption of the DDADUE bill containing various provisions adapting to EU law in the economic and financial field
French Competition Authority (Paris)
France 591 contributions 218596 visits
The Autorité de la concurrence welcomes the decisive step towards transposition of the ECN+ Directive taken by Parliament on Wednesday with the adoption of the DDADUE bill* The adoption by Parliament on Wednesday 18 November 2020 of the DDADUE bill (a bill containing various provisions adapting (...)

The Slovak Competition Authority fines a company for a failure to submit required documentation and information within a stipulated time limit and the submission of false information (Slovenská pošta)
Slovak Competition Authority (Bratislava)
Slovakia 25 contributions 2742 visits
AMO SR imposed a fine on the undertaking Slovenská pošta, a.s., for a failure to submit required documentation and information within a stipulated time limit and the submission of false information – additional information* On 29 October 2020 the Antimonopoly Office of the Slovak Republic, the (...)

The UK Court of Appeal dismisses an appeal relating to the evidential weight to be given to recitals to an EU Commission infringement decision issued under the settlement procedure (Trucks cartel)
Ashurst (London)
United Kingdom 6 contributions 550 visits
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Ashurst (London)
United Kingdom 2 contributions 59 visits
On 11 November 2020, the Court of Appeal emphatically dismissed an appeal brought by five truck manufacturers against a judgment of the Competition Appeal Tribunal ("CAT") handed down in March 2020 relating to the evidential weight to be given to recitals to a European Commission infringement (...)

The UK Court of Appeal clarifies the ability of parties that settle EU Commission antitrust investigations to challenge the Commission’s findings in follow-on damages actions (Trucks cartel)
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton (London)
United Kingdom 4 contributions 2067 visits
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Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton (London)
United Kingdom 20 contributions 25841 visits
,
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton (London)
United Kingdom 11 contributions 3345 visits
…
The Court of Appeal has handed down an important judgment clarifying the ability of parties that settle European Commission (Commission) antitrust investigations to challenge the Commission’s findings in follow-on damages actions. The judgment concerns an appeal relating to a preliminary issue (...)

The Japanese FTC proposes amendments to rules for eliminating seals to promote online procedures
White & Case (Tokyo)
Japan 4 contributions 253 visits
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White & Case (Tokyo)
Japan 4 contributions 253 visits
,
White & Case (Tokyo)
Japan 4 contributions 253 visits
On November 2, 2020, the Japan Fair Trade Commission ("JFTC") proposed amendments to relevant rules ("Drafts") in accordance with the Government of Japan’s "Regulatory Reform Implementation Plan" ("Government’s Plan") decided by the Cabinet on July 17, 2020. The JFTC seeks comments from the (...)

Regulatory

 The EU Commission presents the pharmaceutical strategy for Europe
Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgium 89 contributions 18148 visits
,
Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgium 13 contributions 2443 visits
,
Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgium 13 contributions 2443 visits
On 25 November 2020, the European Commission (the Commission) unveiled its Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe (PSE), a wide-ranging document that discusses a series of broad policy statements, tentative considerations and concrete measures to tackle the many challenges faced by the (...)

The Austrian Government amends its taxi and private hire car regulation to remove taximeter requirement from journeys concluded by way of a communications service
Austrian Competition Authority (Vienna)
Austria 15 contributions 1751 visits
New amendment to Occasional Traffic Act enables increased competition in the taxi and private hire car market* The Occasional Traffic Act (GelverkG), which includes provisions on the requirement to hold a licence, including the scope and granting of said licence in relation to the combined (...)

The Austrian Government plans to reverse amendments to the occasional traffic act to increase competition, consumer choice, and innovation in the taxi and private hire car markets
Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgium 1 contribution 39 visits
As previously reported in this Newsletter, in September 2020 the Austrian Federal Competition Authority (“AFCA”) published the results of a sector inquiry into the taxi and private hire car market. The AFCA found that certain planned amendments to the Occasional Traffic Act (“AOTA”) would (...)

The Spanish Government enacts a foreign direct investments mechanism
Ashurst (Madrid)
Spain 6 contributions 567 visits
,
Ashurst (Madrid)
Spain 6 contributions 567 visits
In March 2020, the Spanish Government introduced a screening mechanism for certain foreign direct investments in Spain (the "Spanish FDI Regime"), which requires prior administrative authorisation from the Council of Ministers of investments made by non-EU/EFTA investors in Spanish companies (...)

The Spanish Government amends the FDI screening regime and temporarily extends the regime to investments made by EU/EEA investors above given thresholds
Callol, Coca & Asociados (Madrid)
Spain 126 contributions 34898 visits
,
Callol, Coca & Asociados (Madrid)
Spain 60 contributions 1262 visits
,
Callol, Coca & Asociados (Madrid)
Spain 64 contributions 19078 visits
…
Royal Decree-Law 34/2020, of 17 November, on urgent measures supporting business solvency and others (RDL 34/2020), has been published today introducing (i) a new amendment to the foreign direct investment (FDI) screening regime applicable to critical infrastructures, supplies, technologies and (...)

The Spanish Government approves the reform of the legal regime that establishes a screening regime for certain foreign direct investments
Hogan Lovells (Madrid)
Spain 46 contributions 90093 visits
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Hogan Lovells (Madrid)
Spain 23 contributions 1908 visits
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Hogan Lovells (Madrid)
Spain 1 contribution 51 visits
The Spanish government last week approved a new reform of the legal regime that establishes a screening regime for certain foreign direct investments ("FDI") in Spain, (the "Reform"), through the enactment of Royal Decree-Law 34/2020, of 17 November, on urgent measures to support business (...)

The Spanish Government extends its temporary foreign direct investment screening mechanism
Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgium 1 contribution 34 visits
,
Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgium 12 contributions 437 visits
,
Van Bael & Bellis (Brussels)
Belgium 1 contribution 34 visits
On 19 November 2020, an amendment of the Spanish temporary foreign direct investment (“FDI”) screening mechanism entered into force (the “Amendment”). The Amendment broadens the screening regime introduced in March 2020, notably to also include investments from EU and EFTA investors. First, from (...)

The Australian Federal Court orders the energy regulator to enforce a pecuniary penalty for breach of reporting obligations (Australian Energy Regulator / AGL Sales)
Jones Day (Sydney)
Australia 5 contributions 1207 visits
,
Jones Day (Melbourne)
Australia 7 contributions 329 visits
,
Jones Day (Perth)
Australia 1 contribution 70 visits
…
Energy retailers have a fresh impetus to abide by reporting obligations imposed by the Australian Energy Regulator ("AER") after the judgment in Australian Energy Regulator v AGL Sales Pty Limited [2020] FCA 1623. The court ordered by consent a $1.3 million penalty against AGL (one of (...)

The Finnish Competition Authority publishes its pharmacy market study and proposes measures to reduce the costs of medicines for consumers and society
Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (Helsinki)
Finland 57 contributions 7483 visits
The FCCA pharmacy market study proposes measures to reduce the costs of medicines for consumers and society* The Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (FCCA) has published an extensive study on the pharmacy market. The study produced a list of proposals that can reduce the pharmaceutical (...)

The New Zealand Competition Authority releases its final decision on its approach to determining the value of the financial loss asset for fibre service providers under the fibre regulatory regime
New Zealand Commerce Commission
New Zealand 64 contributions 7341 visits
Commission completes input methodologies by finalising approach to valuing fibre providers’ financial loss* The Commerce Commission has released its final decision on its approach to determining the value of the financial loss asset for fibre service providers under the new fibre regulatory (...)

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