Irish Competition Authority

CCPC to carry out a Phase 2 investigation of Q-Park’s proposed acquisition of Tazbell Services* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has decided to carry out a full Phase 2 investigation into the proposed acquisition of Tazbell Services Group Designated Activity Company (...)

CCPC prohibits Uniphar’s proposed acquisition of NaviCorp* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has determined that the proposed acquisition of pharmacy solutions business, NaviCorp Limited (trading as Navi Group), by healthcare services provider, Uniphar PLC, (merger (...)

CCPC issues assessment to East Cork Oil and Misty Lane in on going merger review* As part of its merger review process into the proposed acquisition by East Cork Oil Company Unlimited Company (East Cork Oil) of sole control of Misty Lane Holdings Limited (Misty Lane) and its subsidiaries (...)

The CCPC conducted an analysis of the retail motor fuel sector with particular focus on the 19-day period between 2 and 20 March 2022 Rising international prices drove increases in prices at the pump in the period leading up to the excise cut rather than a lack of competition CCPC found no (...)

CCPC requires binding commitments from BWG to acquire McCarrick’s* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has cleared, subject to a number of legally binding commitments, the proposed acquisition by BWG Foods Unlimited Company (BWG) of McCarrick Brothers Wholesale Longford (...)

CCPC issues assessment to Uniphar and NaviCorp in relation to its on-going merger review* As part of its merger review process into the proposed acquisition of pharmacy solutions business, NaviCorp Limited (trading as Navi Group), by healthcare services provider, Uniphar PLC, merger (...)

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

CCPC to carry out a Phase 2 investigation of East Cork Oil’s proposed acquisition of Misty Lane Holdings* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has decided to carry out a full Phase 2 investigation into the proposed acquisition by East Cork Oil Company Unlimited Company of (...)

CCPC clears Permanent TSB acquisition of certain Ulster Bank assets* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has cleared the proposed acquisition of certain assets of Ulster Bank Ireland DAC (Ulster Bank) by Permanent TSB PLC (PTSB). These assets consist of Ulster Bank’s (...)

CCPC welcomes the new Competition (Amendment) Act 2022* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has welcomed the enactment of the Competition (Amendment) Act 2022. The Act transposes Directive 2019/1 (ECN+ Directive) into Irish law and expands the CCPC’s power to enforce EU (...)

CCPC requires binding commitments to clear establishment of new mobile payments service by banks* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has cleared, subject to a number of legally binding commitments, the proposed transaction whereby Allied Irish Banks P.L.C., the Governor (...)

CCPC requires binding commitments to clear Tesco Ireland’s proposed acquisition of Joyce’s Supermarkets* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has cleared, subject to a number of legally binding commitments, the proposed acquisition by Tesco Ireland Limited (Tesco) of sole (...)

CCPC requires commitments from BOI to acquire KBC Ireland assets* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has cleared, subject to a number of legally binding commitments, the proposed acquisition by The Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland (Bank of Ireland) of certain (...)

CCPC issues assessment to a number of parties in relation to Synch mobile payment service* As part of its review process into the proposed transaction whereby a joint venture between Allied Irish Banks (AIB), the Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland (BOI) and Permanent TSB P.L.C. (PTSB) (...)

CCPC clears AIB acquisition of Ulster Bank commercial loans* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has cleared the proposed acquisition of certain assets of Ulster Bank Ireland DAC (Ulster Bank) by Allied Irish Banks p.l.c. (AIB) (the Proposed Acquisition). These assets (...)

CCPC to carry out a Phase 2 investigation of proposed acquisition of NaviCorp Limited by Uniphar Plc* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has decided to carry out a full Phase 2 investigation into the proposed acquisition of pharmacy solutions business, NaviCorp Limited, (...)

CCPC to carry out a Phase 2 investigation of proposed acquisition of Joyce’s Supermarkets by Tesco Ireland* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has decided to carry out a full Phase 2 investigation into the proposed acquisition by Tesco Ireland Limited of sole control of (...)

CCPC opens further consultation on proposed guidelines for exercising new competition law powers * The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) today opens the second in a series of public consultations on how it intends to use the expanded competition law enforcement powers (...)

CCPC issues assessment to Bank of Ireland and KBC Bank in on-going merger review* As part of its merger review process into the proposed acquisition by The Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland (Bank of Ireland) of certain assets and liabilities of KBC Bank Ireland plc (M/21/021), the (...)

CCPC consultations on policies and guidelines for exercising new competition law powers opening on 14 February* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has today announced a series of public consultations on how it intends to use the expanded competition law enforcement (...)

CCPC publishes report on private motor insurance investigation* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has today published the full report on its investigation into potential anticompetitive conduct in the private motor insurance sector. The investigation closed in August (...)

CCPC publishes Merger & Acquisition Report 2021* The CCPC has published its annual merger report including statistics on the number of mergers and acquisitions notified and decided in 2021. All mergers and acquisitions which reach certain financial thresholds must be notified to the CCPC (...)

CCPC to carry out a Phase 2 investigation of AIB’s proposed acquisition of certain assets of Ulster Bank* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has decided to carry out a full Phase 2 investigation into the proposed acquisition by Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c., of certain (...)

CCPC publishes report on ticketing investigation* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has today published its report on the recently concluded investigation into ticketing services. The investigation report details how the CCPC was concerned that Ticketmaster Ireland may (...)

CCPC requires commitments from Pandagreen to acquire waste company Exomex* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has cleared, subject to binding commitments, the proposed acquisition of Exomex by Pandagreen. Exomex, which trades under the name ‘McElvaney’s Waste and (...)

Motor insurers set to introduce new compliance measures following CCPC investigation The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has secured legally binding commitments from six parties that were under investigation in the private motor insurance sector. AIG Europe S.A., Allianz (...)

CCPC welcomes the publication of the Consumer Protection (Regulation of Retail Credit and Credit Servicing Firms) Bill 2021* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) welcomes the publication of the Consumer Protection (Regulation of Retail Credit and Credit Servicing Firms) (...)

CCPC requires commitment from Orpea to acquire six Firstcare nursing homes* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has cleared, subject to a binding commitment, the proposed acquisition by Orpea S.A.* (Orpea) of six Firstcare nursing homes. Orpea provides residential and (...)

CCPC puts spotlight on anti-competitive pricing practice* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has launched a campaign to alert Irish retailers of a harmful anticompetitive pricing practice, called resale price maintenance. Along with publishing guidance to help businesses (...)

CCPC seeks High Court order on Coach House agreement* In April 2019, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) opened an investigation into suspected anti-competitive practices by Chairs Limited, which trades under the name “Coach House” in the Republic of Ireland. Coach House is (...)

CCPC obtains commitments in ESB/Coillte joint venture* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has cleared, subject to a number of legally binding commitments, the proposed joint venture between the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) and Coillte Cuideachta Ghníomhaíochta Ainmnithe (...)

CCPC to carry out a Phase 2 investigation of ESB and Coillte joint venture* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has decided to carry out a full Phase 2 investigation into the proposed joint venture between the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) and Coillte Cuideachta (...)

CCPC welcomes proposed reforms to legal education and training* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) welcomes the recent publication of the Legal Services Regulatory Authority’s (LSRA) report into the education and training of legal practitioners. Over the years, the CCPC (...)

The CCPC welcomes publication of the Hamilton Report to deal with economic crime The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) welcomes the publication today of the “Review of structures and strategies to prevent, investigate and penalise economic crime and corruption” by the (...)

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 (...)

Notice under Section 14B of the Competition Act 2002 In January 2017, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) commenced an investigation into suspected breaches of competition law in relation to the provision of tickets and the operation of ticketing services for live events. (...)

CCPC extends verticals declaration* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has today extended the validity of its declaration in respect of vertical agreements and concerted practices (the “declaration”) until 1 December 2022. The declaration came into effect on 1 December (...)

Unannounced car inspections take place in Dublin and Kildare* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), assisted by colleagues from the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau, the Garda Stolen Vehicle Investigation Unit as well as local uniformed Gardaí, has completed a series of (...)

CCPC issues preliminary findings to organisations under investigation in the private motor insurance sector* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has today issued preliminary findings to five insurers, an insurance industry trade association and an insurance broker : AIG (...)

CCPC requests submissions for new strategy statement* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has an economy-wide remit to enforce competition and consumer protection law. We work to achieve our vision of open and competitive markets where consumers are protected and (...)

CCPC Publishes 2019 Annual Report* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has today published our 2019 Annual Report. The report details the work of the CCPC in 2019 and highlights the impactful and varied role which the organisation plays across the economy. Isolde Goggin (...)

CCPC to carry out a phase 2 investigation of Link Group/Pepper merger* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has decided to carry out a full (Phase 2) investigation into the proposed acquisition by Link Group Administration Limited (“Link”) of sole control of Pepper Ireland (...)

Berendsen/Kings Laundry merger update* On 8 July 2019, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) cleared, subject to a number of legally binding commitments, the proposed acquisition of sole control of Kings Laundry Limited (Kings Laundry) by Berendsen Ireland Limited (...)

CCPC warns businesses must act independently when setting prices during reopening phase* CCPC engages with trade associations following public statements to warn against co-ordination Any new prices & charges must adhere to competition and consumer protection law Consumers are entitled to (...)

CCPC launches public consultation on public liability insurance market* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) announced today that it has opened a public consultation and is seeking views from stakeholders on their experiences in the public liability insurance market. (...)

CCPC Concludes Examination of Beef Industry Complaints* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has today written to over 200 individuals, including the Independent Farmers of Ireland, the Beef Plan Movement, and the Irish Farmers Association, regarding the outcome of an (...)

Simplified Merger Notification Procedure Regime to commence on 1 July 2020* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has announced that a simplified merger notification procedure regime will officially commence on Wednesday 1 July 2020. The CCPC considers that the simplified (...)

CCPC announces introduction of a simplified merger review procedure* Between 7 November and 21 December 2018, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) held a public consultation to gather views on whether a simplified procedure for the review of certain mergers should be (...)

CCPC requires commitments from Panda to secure approval for acquisition of Knockharley Landfill* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has cleared, subject to binding commitments, the proposed acquisition of Knockharley Landfill Limited (Knockharley), by Pandagreen Limited (...)

CCPC to carry out a phase 2 investigation of LN-Gaiety/MCD Productions merger* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has decided to carry out a full Phase 2 investigation in relation to the proposed acquisition of MCD Productions Unlimited Company by LN-Gaiety Holdings (...)

CCPC requires sale of facility to secure approval for Enva/Rilta merger* Enva also subject to behavioural remedy in relation to the supply of services The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has cleared, subject to binding commitments, the proposed acquisition by Enva (...)

CCPC examines potential anti-competitive conduct by the Restaurants Association of Ireland* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has commenced a civil competition law investigation into the conduct of the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI). The investigation follows (...)

Revised Merger Notification Thresholds* Following a public consultation reviewing certain provisions of the Competition Act 2002, the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation has issued a Ministerial Order revising the financial thresholds at which notification of a merger or (...)

CCPC clears media merger subject to confidentiality commitments* Following an extensive two-phase investigation, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has cleared, subject to binding commitments, the acquisition by Reach Plc (Reach) (formerly Trinity Mirror Plc) of Northern (...)

CCPC obtains commitments from Uniphar to secure approval for proposed acquisition of SISK Healthcare* Following an extensive investigation, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has today cleared the proposed acquisition of sole control of SISK Healthcare by Uniphar Public (...)

Former director fined €45,000 for bid-rigging tenders* The Court of Criminal Appeal today increased a fine handed down to a former director, Brendan Smith, for engaging in bid-rigging in the procurement of flooring contracts. Mr Smith, who is a former director of Aston Carpets & Flooring, (...)

CCPC COMMITMENTS FROM BWG TO SECURE APPROVAL FOR PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF 4 ACES WHOLESALE* Following an extensive investigation, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has today cleared the proposed acquisition of 4 Aces Wholesale Limited (“4 Aces”) by BWG Foods Unlimited (...)

CCPC secures commitments in the supply of graduation gowns* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has secured Commitments from a number of Irish universities to change their procurement practices in the supply of graduation gowns. Following a complaint, the CCPC sought (...)

Commission secures 5-year commitments from Booking.com* Commission secures 5-year commitments from Booking.com Accommodation providers in Ireland will have increased ability to offer lower prices Consumers will have greater access to more competitive rates Tuesday, 6th October 2015 : The (...)

Commission publishes details of the binding divestiture commitments by Valeo Foods UK Limited* On 17 February the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (the Commission) cleared the proposed acquisition by Valeo Foods UK Limited (Valeo) of sole control of Wardell Roberts Limited and (...)

Commission approves proposed acquisition by Valeo Foods UK Limited of sole control of Wardell Roberts Limited and Robert Roberts (NI) Limited, subject to binding divestiture commitments* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (Commission) has today cleared the proposed acquisition (...)

Launch of new Cartel Immunity Programme* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (the Commission), in conjunction with the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has today released details of an improved Cartel Immunity Programme. The operation of illegal cartels in the (...)

Competition and Consumer Protection Commission reminds parties in beef sector of obligations under competition law* The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (the Commission) has written to relevant parties in the Irish beef sector following recent activity to remind them of their (...)

Competition Authority secures High Court undertakings from the Irish Medical Organisation* The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has today provided undertakings to the High Court (i) not to organise or recommend the collective withdrawal of services or boycotts by its members and (ii) to advise (...)

Competition Authority Clears Acquisition of Arnotts* The Competition Authority has today cleared the proposed acquisition of joint control of Arnotts Holdings Limited by Fitzwilliam Finance Partners Limited/Wittington Investments, Limited and investment funds managed by affiliates of Apollo (...)

Competition Authority and National Consumer Agency welcome publication of the Competition and Consumer Protection Bill* The Competition Authority and National Consumer Agency today welcomed the publication of the Competition and Consumer Protection Bill which will merge the two organisations (...)

Competition Authority publishes 2013 Annual Report* The Competition Authority has today published its Annual Report for 2013. The Authority is the State body responsible for enforcing Irish and European competition law in Ireland. The report summarises the work done by the Authority in 2013. (...)

New taxi regulations could increase prices and waiting times for consumers – Competition Authority* In a submission to the National Transport Authority (NTA), the Competition Authority warned that proposed new taxi regulations could create a barrier to entry that will increase prices and (...)

Competition Authority publishes new Merger Guidelines* The Competition Authority has published revised Guidelines for Merger Analysis. They give guidance on how the Competition Authority decides whether or not a merger will substantially lessen competition, and therefore whether it can go (...)

Competition Authority recommends changes to improve competition in Irish ports* The Competition Authority has published on 29 November 2013 a study of competition in the ports sector in Ireland which found competition in port services could be improved. The study was commissioned by Minister (...)

Competition Authority welcomes recommendations for reforming registration of architects - consumers will ultimately be the winners* “Consumers will ultimately be the winners if reforms designed to strengthen the registration process for architects are implemented” says Isolde Goggin, Chairperson (...)

Competition Authority public consultation on Merger Guidelines * The Competition Authority launches a public consultation on draft revised merger guidelines which aim to provide guidance on how we investigate and analyse mergers and acquisitions when deciding whether or not they will (...)

OECD backs Competition Authority recommendations for more competition in legal services* The 2013 OECD economic report for Ireland has backed recommendations made by the Competition Authority to increase competition in legal services. In the report, published on the 12 September 2013, one of (...)

Competition Authority welcomes initiatives to bring down cost of school uniforms* The Competition Authority has welcomed reported initiatives from the Government aimed at making school uniforms more affordable. Each year, approaching the start of the new school year, the Authority receives (...)

Acquisition by Top Snacks Limited of the KP Snacks business from United Biscuits (UK) Limited* Publication of the Determination The Authority has published on its website the public version of the full text of its Determination concerning the proposed transaction whereby Intersnack (...)

Competition Authority clears proposed acquisition of CMR by Uniphar* The Competition Authority has cleared the proposed transaction whereby Uniphar plc would acquire Cahill May Roberts Limited. The transaction was notified by the parties under the Competition Act 2002 on 12 December 2012 and (...)

Competition Authority reminder to businesses : resale price maintenance is against the law The Competition Authority advises businesses to be aware that resale price maintenance is against the law and that it will take enforcement action against anyone engaging in the practice. The advice is (...)

Competition Authority guidance on preferred repairers in the insurance market* The Competition Authority regularly receives complaints about ‘preferred repairer’ arrangements in the insurance market. We have assessed these arrangements from a competition perspective and published a guidance note (...)

Competition Authority launches public consultation on the ports sector* The Competition Authority has launched a public consultation as part of its study of competition in the Irish ports sector, following a request by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation, Richard Bruton T.D.. (...)

Competition Authority intervenes to protect competition in book sales* On 1 October 2012 Eason & Son Limited and Argosy Libraries Limited have confirmed to the Competition Authority that they will not implement the proposed transaction whereby Eason would acquire certain assets of Argosy, (...)

Successful resolution to complaint against RTÉ* The Competition Authority has published details of the successful outcome of an investigation involving RTÉ, following a complaint made by TV3. TV3 had complained that RTÉ’s “share deal” was anti-competitive. The share deal is a scheme used by RTÉ (...)

Competition Authority Publishes Guidance on Pay-TV in Apartments* The Competition Authority has today published information for consumers and businesses on the provision of pay-TV to apartment developments. In recent years, the Authority has received a large number of complaints from (...)

Newspapers to amend business practices considered anti-competitive by The Competition Authority* The Competition Authority today (13th December) announced details of its investigation into allegations that the price at which retailers sell newspapers was fixed. The Competition Authority has (...)