UK Competition Authority

Construction suppliers fined £15m for breaking competition law* The CMA has fined 2 major suppliers to the construction industry more than £15m for illegally colluding to reduce competition and keep prices up Following an investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), 2 UK-based (...)

Virgin and O2 merger referred for in-depth investigation* The CMA has referred the proposed merger of Virgin Media and Virgin Mobile with O2 for an in-depth Phase 2 investigation The move comes after Virgin and O2 requested that the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) move quickly to the (...)

CMA advises government on new regulatory regime for tech giants* The CMA has issued advice to government on the design and implementation of the UK’s new pro-competition regime for digital markets. New regime will proactively shape the behaviour of the most powerful tech firms It will ensure (...)

CMA and global partners secure privacy changes to the App Store* Following international intervention, Apple will shortly indicate on its App Store what personal data each app uses, empowering consumer choice. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), along with the Netherlands (...)

The CMA is consulting on its Annual Plan for 2021/22.* The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has outlined the key areas on which it expects to focus in the coming year, including its ongoing commitment to protect UK consumers during the unprecedented circumstances of the coronavirus (...)

CMA to examine electric vehicle charging sector* The CMA is launching a market study into electric vehicle charging, to make sure that this new and fast-growing sector works well for UK drivers. Traditional cars are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and as part of its “green (...)

CMA looks to appeal CAT judgment in JD Sports case* After careful consideration, the CMA has today applied for permission to appeal the CAT’s recent judgment in the JD Sports/Footasylum case. Last month, the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) supported the Competition and Markets Authority’s (...)

CMA publishes EU Exit guidance* The CMA has today published further guidance to explain how it will conduct its work following the end of the Transition Period for the UK’s exit from the EU. As of 1 January 2021, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will take on responsibility for (...)

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 (...)

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 (...)

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 (...)

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 (...)

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 (...)

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 (...)

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 (...)

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 (...)

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 (...)

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 (...)

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 (...)

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 (...)

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 (...)

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 (...)

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 (...)

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 (...)

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 (...)

CMA finds competition concerns in viagogo and StubHub merger* Following an in-depth investigation, the CMA has provisionally found that the completed merger of viagogo and StubHub will reduce competition. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found that viagogo and StubHub are close (...)

Customers could lose out in motor parts merger* The CMA has provisionally found that the purchase of 3G by TVS raises competition concerns in the supply of commercial vehicle and trailer parts. Universal Components UK Limited (Universal Components), owned by TVS Europe Distribution Limited, (...)

Schools could lose out in educational supplies merger* The CMA has provisionally found that YPO’s anticipated purchase of close competitor Findel could leave schools worse off. Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation (YPO) and Findel Education Limited (Findel) are 2 of the leading suppliers of (...)

Instagram to tackle hidden advertising after CMA action* Following CMA action, Instagram will do more to prevent hidden advertising on its app and website, signalling an important behaviour shift by a major platform. Facebook Ireland Ltd, which operates Instagram in the UK, has committed to a (...)

Deal between Carlsberg and Marston’s given the go-ahead* The CMA has cleared the proposed joint venture between brewing companies Carlsberg and Marston’s. Both companies are large brewers of beer and cider, as well as offering related services, such as wholesale supply of their own and other (...)

CMA requests review of Virgin and O2 merger* The CMA has made a request to the European Commission to refer the proposed merger of Virgin Media and Virgin Mobile with O2 to the CMA for investigation. Liberty Global plc (Liberty) owns Virgin Media and Virgin Mobile in the UK, and Telefónica (...)

CMA to investigate the supply of bipolar drug* The CMA has opened an investigation into suspected anti-competitive practices in the supply of drugs used to treat bipolar disorder. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will investigate whether the pharmaceutical company Essential Pharma (...)

Motorcycle insurance merger to be reversed following CMA concerns* The CMA has accepted a proposal from Ardonagh to fully unwind its recent £26 million purchase of Bennetts to resolve competition concerns. Ardonagh Group Limited (Ardonagh), which operates the Carole Nash and Swinton brands, (...)

CMA acts to protect competition on UK-US airline routes* Due to coronavirus, the CMA has imposed measures to protect competition on UK-US air routes while it investigates an agreement involving BA and American Airlines. The next year will see the expiry of remedies in place under a set of (...)

Motorcycle insurance broker merger raises competition concerns* The CMA has found that Ardonagh’s completed purchase of Bennetts could lead to higher prices, less choice and worse services for motorcyclists in the UK. Ardonagh Group Limited (Ardonagh), which operates the Carole Nash and (...)

Digital advertising merger to be abandoned during CMA investigation* Taboola has announced that it is to abandon its proposed purchase of Outbrain. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has therefore today confirmed it intends to cancel its investigation into the potential competition (...)

Final decision published in window blind merger inquiry* The CMA has decided that Hunter Douglas, owner of online blinds retailer Blinds2Go, must sell the majority of its shares in 247 to protect competition and prevent higher prices. Hunter Douglas originally purchased a minority stake in (...)

CMA updates competition law risk guide for managers* An updated guide to competition rules has been issued to help managers, directors and their advisers to stay on the right side of the law. The latest guide from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), together with the Institute of (...)

CMA to assess progress in legal services sector* The CMA is reviewing the legal services sector in England and Wales to assess whether transparency of price, quality and service have improved. In 2016, the CMA carried out a market study into the supply of legal services in England and Wales, (...)

CMA to increase competition cooperation with international partners* The CMA has signed a new framework with 5 of its international counterpart competition authorities to improve co-operation on investigations. The Multilateral Mutual Assistance and Cooperation Framework for Competition (...)

Construction materials deal raises competition concerns* Breedon’s purchase of certain Cemex assets raises competition concerns in the supply of building materials in some parts of the UK, the CMA has found. Breedon Group plc (Breedon) and Cemex Investments Limited (Cemex) are 2 of the leading (...)

Deal between Visa and Plaid given the go-ahead* The CMA has cleared Visa’s anticipated purchase of fintech start-up Plaid. The decision by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) follows a Phase 1 review in which it investigated several possible ways the deal could harm competition. Visa (...)

Competition concerns in retail investment software merger* Following an in-depth investigation, the CMA has provisionally blocked the merger of FNZ and GBST. FNZ purchased GBST in November 2019. Both companies have a significant presence in the UK. They are 2 of the leading suppliers of (...)

CMA clears Amazon’s 16% investment in Deliveroo* Following an in-depth investigation, the CMA has today cleared Amazon’s 16% investment in Deliveroo after finding that it will not substantially lessen competition. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) completed an initial ‘Phase 1’ (...)

CMA final decision on air traffic control charges* The CMA has sent the CAA its final price control determination on a dispute between the aviation regulator and NERL regarding air traffic control charges. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has acted as the independent body charged (...)

Roland fined £4 million for illegally preventing online price discounts* Lessons from the CMA’s investigation into Roland’s use of illegal resale price maintenance (RPM). Background When online resellers have the freedom to price items independently this leads to healthy competition – rivals (...)

How should competition policy react to coronavirus ?* IPPR has today published a paper by CMA Chairman Andrew Tyrie, discussing how competition policy can contribute to a robust and sustainable post-crisis recovery. The paper - How should competition policy react to coronavirus ? - explores (...)

Customers could lose out in merger between window blind companies* The CMA has provisionally found that Hunter Douglas’ purchase of 247 Home Furnishings Ltd raises competition concerns. Hunter Douglas is a leading global supplier of blinds and other window coverings, which generated global (...)

CMA publishes Annual Report 2019/2020* The CMA has published its Annual Report, highlighting the wide range of work the UK competition and consumer authority has carried out in the past year. Throughout the year, the CMA delivered a substantial volume of work to ensure effective enforcement (...)

CMA levies fines of £2.3m and secures £8m for NHS in pharma probe* The CMA has formally concluded that 3 pharmaceutical companies took part in an illegal arrangement in relation to the supply of life-saving medicine. The investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority into the supply of (...)

The CMA has published a third update from its COVID-19 taskforce, which monitors and responds to competition and consumer problems arising from the pandemic.* As part of the taskforce’s work, it has been asking the public for information about businesses behaving unfairly, for example regarding (...)

Court orders disqualification of estate agent cartel director* In the first contested case of its kind, the CMA has secured the disqualification of a director whose Somerset estate agency breached competition law. Following a four day trial last month, Mr Michael Martin was today disqualified (...)

New regime needed to take on tech giants* The CMA is calling on the government to introduce a new pro-competition regulatory regime to tackle Google and Facebook’s market power. The dynamic nature of digital advertising markets and the types of concerns identified by the Competition and (...)

CMA imposes £1.2m in fines for price-fixing in private eyecare* The CMA has found that a private hospital group and 7 consultant ophthalmologists broke competition law by taking part in illegal price fixing. Following an investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), Spire (...)

Medical device suppliers’ merger raises competition concerns* The CMA has concluded that the merger of 2 suppliers of medical devices could lead to a reduction of competition in the supply of total ankle replacement prosthetics. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is concerned that, (...)

Musical instrument firms to pay millions after breaking competition law* The CMA has fined 2 musical instrument makers a total of £5.5 million, in 2 separate cases, for breaking competition law by restricting online discounting of musical instruments. The fines on the companies, Roland and (...)

Competition concerns found in digital advertising merger* Taboola’s purchase of Outbrain raises competition concerns in the supply of content recommendation, a type of digital advertising. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has been investigating the anticipated purchase of Outbrain (...)

CMA revises provisional findings in Amazon/Deliveroo case* The CMA has provisionally cleared Amazon’s 16% investment in Deliveroo, on the basis that it is not likely to result in a substantial lessening of competition. In its initial provisional findings, published in April, the Competition (...)

Competition concerns raised over educational supplies merger* The CMA has found that YPO’s anticipated acquisition of Findel raises competition concerns in the supply of resources to educational institutions in the UK. Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation (YPO) and Findel Education Limited (...)

Estate agent directors disqualified for roles in illegal cartel* Stephen Jones and Neil Mackenzie were directors at estate agents Richard Worth and Michael Hardy, respectively, from September 2008 to May 2015. During this time, their firms took part in a cartel with 2 other local estate agents (...)

Two UK roofing lead firms admit to illegal cartel* Two of the UK’s largest suppliers of rolled lead have admitted to taking part in anti-competitive arrangements and could face fines of more than £11 million. Rolled lead is an important product for the construction industry, used mainly for (...)

Merger of viagogo and StubHub raises competition concerns* viagogo’s purchase of StubHub raises competition concerns in the online secondary ticketing market in the UK, a CMA investigation has found. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is concerned that the loss of competition brought (...)

Pharma company director disqualified for competition law breaches* The CMA has secured the disqualification of pharmaceutical company director Amit Patel after he admitted his role in arrangements that broke competition law. Amit Patel has signed undertakings that ban him from holding a (...)

Commercial vehicle and trailer parts merger raises competition concerns* Universal Components’ purchase of 3G raises competition concerns in the wholesale supply of commercial vehicle and trailer parts, a CMA investigation has found. Universal Components UK Limited (Universal Components), (...)

Update on CMA COVID-19 Taskforce* The CMA has published a second update from its COVID-19 Taskforce, which monitors and responds to competition and consumer problems arising from the pandemic. As part of the Taskforce’s work, it is asking the public for information about businesses behaving (...)

Building supply companies abandon merger during CMA investigation* Kingspan has abandoned its proposed deal with Building Solutions during an in-depth CMA probe. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has therefore today confirmed that it will be cancelling its Phase 2 merger (...)

CMA consults on BA and American Airlines commitments* British Airways and American Airlines have offered commitments to resolve the CMA’s competition concerns over an agreement about airline routes between the UK and US. The airlines will make slots available at London Heathrow or Gatwick (...)

CMA blocks sports-fashion merger* The CMA has blocked JD Sports’ purchase of close competitor Footasylum after finding it would leave shoppers worse off. Following an in-depth Phase 2 investigation, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has concluded that this transaction would lead to a (...)

Publishing merger abandoned after CMA investigation* McGraw-Hill Education has abandoned its proposed deal with Cengage Learning after competition concerns raised by the CMA. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has therefore today confirmed that it will be cancelling its Phase 2 (...)

CMA clears NHS hospital trusts merger* The CMA has cleared the proposed merger between The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. In 2013, the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) predecessor, the Competition Commission, (...)

CMA publishes update on COVID-19 Taskforce* The CMA has today published an update from its COVID-19 Taskforce, set up to monitor and respond to consumer and competition problems arising from the pandemic. As part of the Taskforce’s work, it asked the public for information about businesses (...)

CMA gives Just Eat and Takeaway.com deal the green light* The CMA has cleared the £6.2 billion merger between 2 food delivery companies. Just Eat plc (Just Eat) is one of the main food delivery firms in the UK market, while Takeaway.com N.V (Takeaway.com) operates in 11 countries overseas, (...)

COVID-19 : CMA approach to merger assessments* The CMA has today provided more detail on its general approach to assessing mergers during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Following its statement about working practices issued on 18 March, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has (...)

Cellnex’s purchase of Arqiva cleared by CMA after thorough review* The CMA has cleared the £2bn merger between Cellnex UK and Arqiva’s telecommunication infrastructure division. Both companies are independent providers of telecommunication infrastructure, including towers, pylons and masts, (...)

CMA provisionally clears Amazon’s investment in Deliveroo* In light of a deterioration in Deliveroo’s financial position as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19), the CMA has provisionally cleared Amazon’s investment in Deliveroo. After completing an initial, Phase 1, investigation, the Competition (...)

CMA blocks airline booking merger* Following an in-depth investigation, the CMA has blocked Sabre’s proposed takeover of Farelogix. Among other products and services, Sabre and Farelogix supply software solutions which help airlines to sell flights via travel agents including those that (...)

Private hospital merger to be approved if local concerns addressed* The CMA has found that the completed merger between Circle and BMI does not raise UK-wide competition concerns but could reduce competition in 2 local areas. Both Circle and BMI provide elective care to NHS and privately (...)

Construction products merger raises competition concerns* The CMA has found that Kingspan’s anticipated purchase of Building Solutions raises competition concerns in the supply of specialist insulation panels. Kingspan is the leading provider in the UK of standard foam sandwich panels, which (...)

Merger between betting firms cleared by the CMA* Following an investigation, the CMA has cleared the merger between gambling companies Flutter and Stars. The companies are 2 of the main online betting brands in the UK, with a combined revenue of £1.5 billion. Flutter owns Paddy Power and (...)

Merger of retail investment software firms raises competition concerns* FNZ’s purchase of GBST raises competition concerns in the provision of retail investment platform solutions in the UK, a CMA investigation has found. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is concerned that the loss (...)

Government to suspend competition law to support Isle of Wight ferry routes* Competition law to be temporarily suspended to allow ferry operators to maintain a crucial lifeline between the island and the mainland. Business Secretary to waive competition law for vital Isle of Wight crossings (...)

Introduction The focus of the CMA in the next few months will be to protect UK consumers from the adverse consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic to the greatest extent possible. The CMA is conscious of concerns that competition law enforcement could impede necessary cooperation between (...)

CMA review of air traffic control charges* The CMA has released and is consulting on its provisional findings into a dispute between the CAA and NERL regarding air traffic control charges. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has acted as the independent body charged with looking into (...)

CMA proposes reforms to Scottish legal services sector* The CMA has completed a research project to examine competition and regulation in the Scottish legal services sector. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is recommending a series of measures to improve the information made (...)

CMA launches COVID-19 taskforce* The CMA is today launching a taskforce to tackle negative impacts within its remit of the COVID-19 pandemic. The outbreak of COVID-19 is an unprecedented and rapidly evolving challenge that has prompted many concerns that businesses might exploit the situation (...)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) : CMA open letter to pharmaceutical and food and drink industries.* The Competition and Markets Authority has published an open letter for businesses in the pharmaceutical and food and drink industries. Details We have written an open letter to the pharmaceutical and (...)

Merger between window blind companies raises competition concerns* Hunter Douglas’s purchase of 247 Home Furnishings Ltd raises competition concerns in the supply of made-to-measure window blinds, the CMA has found. Hunter Douglas is a leading global supplier of window coverings, which (...)

COVID-19 : CMA approach to essential business cooperation* The CMA is very conscious of concerns that competition law enforcement could impede necessary cooperation between businesses to deal with the current crisis and ensure security of supplies of essential products and services, such as (...)

COVID-19 : CMA working arrangements* Along with other businesses and organisations, the CMA continues to monitor the outbreak of COVID-19 and has adjusted its working arrangements in response. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is concerned above all to ensure the safety and (...)

Final decision published in radio merger inquiry* The CMA will ensure local radio stations have access to advertising representation following an in-depth investigation into Bauer’s purchase of almost 50 stations. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has investigated Bauer Media’s (...)

Educational publishing merger raises competition concerns* The CMA has found that McGraw-Hill’s takeover of competitor Cengage could leave students worse off. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is concerned that the loss of competition brought about by the proposed merger could result (...)

CMA welcomes Court of Appeal judgment in Phenytoin case* The CMA welcomes today’s Court of Appeal judgment, calling it an important step forward in clarifying the legal test for excessive and unfair pricing. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will now carefully review the elements (...)

COVID-19 : sales and pricing practices during Coronavirus outbreak* The CMA has been monitoring reports of changes to sales and pricing practices during the coronavirus outbreak. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) wants to ensure that traders do not exploit the current situation to (...)

Over £3m in fines and £1m for NHS in CMA pharma probe* Following an investigation, the CMA has found that 4 pharmaceutical companies broke competition law in relation to the supply of an antidepressant. The probe by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) into the supply of nortriptyline, a (...)

CMA welcomes EU Court ruling in pay-for-delay drug case* The CMA welcomes a ruling from the EU Court of Justice in relation to its case that drug companies supplying an antidepressant called paroxetine broke the law. The ruling, released today, follows appeals from GlaxoSmithKline and other (...)

Illumina/PacBio abandon merger* Illumina has abandoned its anticipated $1.2 billion takeover of PacBio after an in-depth CMA merger probe highlighted serious competition concerns. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has therefore today confirmed that it will be cancelling its Phase 2 (...)

Construction firms fined £36 million for breaking competition law* The CMA has issued 3 firms with fines totalling more than £36 million for breaking competition law in supplying certain concrete drainage products for building projects. Following an investigation by the Competition and Markets (...)

Sports fashion merger raises competition concerns* The CMA has found that JD Sports’ takeover of close competitor Footasylum could be bad for shoppers. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is concerned that the loss of competition brought about by the merger could result in a worse deal (...)

Sabre’s takeover of Farelogix raises competition concerns* Sabre’s proposed takeover of Farelogix raises competition concerns in the supply of IT systems used by airlines and travel agents to sell airline tickets. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has been investigating the proposed (...)

Suppliers of antidepressants accused of illegal anti-competitive conduct* The CMA has provisionally found that 4 pharmaceutical companies broke competition law in relation to the supply of an anti-depressant drug. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has accused competitors King and (...)

CMA clears PayPal / iZettle deal* The CMA has cleared PayPal’s completed takeover of rival mobile payments company iZettle after an in-depth, Phase 2, investigation. Both companies provide mobile point of sale (mPOS) devices that enable businesses to take ‘offline’ payments through a card reader (...)

Drug firms accused of illegal market sharing over anti-nausea tablets* The CMA has provisionally found that 4 pharmaceutical companies broke the law by agreeing not to compete in the supply of an anti-nausea drug in the UK. In a statement of objections issued today, the Competition and (...)

Construction cartel directors disqualified* The CMA has secured the disqualification of 2 former directors of CPM Group Ltd following CPM’s admission that it breached competition law. The move follows the Competition and Market Authority’s (CMA) statement of objections issued on 13 December (...)

CMA blocks merger between Sainsbury’s and Asda* The CMA has blocked the Sainsbury’s / Asda merger after finding it would lead to increased prices in stores, online and at many petrol stations across the UK. In its final report, published today, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found (...)

CMA orders sale of customer contracts in washroom suppliers’ merger* Rentokil Initial must sell several large supply contracts to satisfy CMA concerns over its merger with Cannon Hygiene. The decision by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) comes after an in-depth Phase 2 investigation (...)

Aer Lingus / CityJet deal cleared for take-off* Aer Lingus’ deal with CityJet for the London City airport to Dublin route has been cleared after a CMA probe. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has today cleared an agreement under which Aer Lingus has taken over scheduled passenger (...)

CMA proposes reforms to improve competition in audit sector* Improvements to the independence and the quality of audits are the focus of the CMA’s market study update. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published an update paper outlining serious competition concerns and proposing (...)

Guidance on merger remedies in Phase 1 and Phase 2 investigations.* This guidance is intended for merger parties and their advisers. It seeks to provide a single source of guidance on remedies for Phase 1 and Phase 2 merger investigations. This guidance applies to any Phase 1 merger (...)

Two construction firms admit to illegal cartel* The CMA has provisionally found that 3 drainage product manufacturers broke competition law by co-ordinating prices for customers and sharing the market. Two of the businesses – Derbyshire-based Stanton Bonna Concrete Ltd and Somerset-based CPM (...)

University laundry merger broken up by CMA* The CMA has decided that JLA must sell Washstation to preserve competition in the supply of managed laundry services to higher education providers. The decision by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) comes following an in-depth investigation (...)

Algorithm research builds on work in digital markets* The CMA has published a study into pricing algorithms and whether they could be used to support illegal practices. The research increases the CMA’s expertise at a time of widespread scrutiny of pricing algorithms and how they interact with (...)

Heathrow and Arora admit to anti-competitive car park agreement* Heathrow airport will pay a £1.6m fine for restricting competition on parking prices in a lease with the operator of a Terminal 5 hotel. The fine to be imposed by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), comes after its (...)

Win in Ping golf clubs case sends clear online retail signal* The Competition Appeal Tribunal has upheld the CMA’s decision that Ping Europe Ltd broke the law by banning the online sale of its golf clubs. This landmark case sends an important signal that attempts by manufacturers to impose (...)

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has today launched an in-depth market investigation into the funerals sector.* Following publication of its interim report in November 2018, the CMA consulted on whether to progress to a market investigation. Having carefully considered the (...)

£3.4m fine for household coal and BBQ supplier cartel* Two of the biggest suppliers of charcoal and coal for households in the UK have agreed to pay a £3.4m fine for taking part in a market sharing cartel. CPL and Fuel Express are 2 of the main suppliers of bagged household fuels, including (...)

Tesco/Booker merger cleared after in-depth review* The CMA has concluded that Tesco’s purchase of Booker does not raise competition concerns. A group of independent Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) panel members has examined all submissions received since its provisional findings before (...)

CMA launches digital tool to fight bid-rigging* The CMA’s Screening for Cartels tool will help public procurement professionals identify suspicious behaviour by suppliers when bidding for contracts. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has worked with Spend Network, a company (...)

£1.71m fine for laundry companies found to be market sharing* The CMA has fined 2 suppliers of ‘cleanroom’ laundry services for breaking competition law by agreeing not to compete for each other’s customers. It follows enforcement action by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) against the (...)

CMA ACCEPTS MANCHESTER CINEMAS SALE* In December, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced that AMC (UK) Acquisition Ltd’s (AMC’s) purchase of Odeon and UCI Cinemas Holdings Ltd (Odeon) would face an in-depth investigation, unless AMC could address concerns over the merger’s effect (...)

Drug company accused of abusing its position to overcharge the NHS* The CMA has provisionally found that Concordia abused its dominant position to overcharge the NHS by millions for an essential thyroid drug. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has been investigating how much the (...)

Lighting company fined £2.7 million for restricting online prices* A lighting supplier has been fined for requiring retailers to use a minimum price when selling their products online. The National Lighting Company (NLC) supplies light fittings to a range of retailers who then sell them on. (...)

CMA accepts Mastercard/VocaLink undertakings* The CMA has today accepted undertakings offered by Mastercard to address competition concerns arising from its purchase of VocaLink. On 18 January 2017, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced it would look in detail at whether the (...)

CMA alleges anti-competitive agreements for hydrocortisone tablets* The CMA today alleged that Concordia and Actavis signed illegal agreements which enabled high prices for a life-saving drug to be prolonged. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) alleges that between January 2013 and (...)

CMA fines water tank firms over £2.7 million* The CMA has today issued 2 decisions imposing fines on suppliers of galvanised steel tanks for breaching competition law. Galvanised steel tanks are used for water storage in larger buildings, such as schools, hospitals and other commercial and (...)

Pharmaceutical company accused of overcharging NHS* The pharmaceutical company Actavis UK (formerly Auden Mckenzie) has increased the price of 10mg hydrocortisone tablets by over 12,000% compared to the branded version of the drug which was sold by a different company prior to April 2008. For (...)

CMA fines Pfizer and Flynn £90 million for drug price hike to NHS* The CMA has fined pharma companies Pfizer and Flynn Pharma nearly £90 million for charging excessive prices to the NHS for an anti-epilepsy drug. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has imposed a record £84.2 million fine (...)

CMA CONSULTS ON FRUIT JUICE MERGER UNDERTAKINGS* The CMA is consulting on undertakings offered by Hain to address merger competition concerns arising from its purchase of Orchard. Hain Frozen Foods UK Limited (Hain) and Orchard House Foods Limited (Orchard) are the only 2 suppliers of (...)

CMA ACCEPTS REMEDIES IN FUEL PUMPS MERGER* The CMA has accepted undertakings from Dover to remedy competition concerns arising from its merger with Wayne. This follows the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) intervention to ensure that choice is maintained for petrol and diesel retailers (...)

CMA accepts fruit juice merger remedies* The CMA has accepted Hain’s undertaking to sell its own-label fruit juice business to an approved buyer. Hain Frozen Foods UK Ltd (Hain) bought Orchard House Foods Ltd (Orchard) in December 2015. Both are major suppliers of own-label freshly squeezed (...)

CMA ACCEPTS BROKER MERGER UNDERTAKINGS* The CMA has accepted undertakings from Tullett Prebon and will not refer its merger with IGBB for an in-depth investigation. Tullett Prebon plc and ICAP plc are leading global interdealer brokers, companies that sit between investment banks helping to (...)

CMA publishes final report on private healthcare remittal* The CMA has decided, following new evidence, that extra remedies in London’s private healthcare market would not be proportionate. The Competition Commission, a predecessor body of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), started a (...)

CASHPOINT MERGER FACES IN-DEPTH INVESTIGATION* Diebold and Wincor face an in-depth merger investigation by the CMA unless the companies offer undertakings to address competition concerns. Diebold, Incorporated (Diebold) and Wincor Nixdorf AG (Wincor) both supply ATMs (cashpoints) to banks and (...)

MERGER OF TOY SUPPLIERS COULD FACE IN-DEPTH INVESTIGATION* VTech could face an in-depth merger investigation over competition concerns arising from its completed merger with LeapFrog. VTech Holdings Ltd (VTech) and LeapFrog Enterprises Inc (LeapFrog) are 2 of the 3 largest suppliers of (...)

CMA issues final decision in online cartel case* The CMA has today issued a formal decision that 2 online sellers of posters and frames broke competition law. This follows the announcement on 21 July 2016 that Trod Ltd had admitted agreeing with GB eye Ltd (trading as ‘GB Posters’) that they (...)

Online seller admits breaking competition law* An online seller has agreed to accept a fine after admitting using automated repricing software to implement an illegal cartel. Trod Limited has admitted agreeing with one of its competing online sellers, GB eye Limited (trading as ‘GB Posters’), (...)

Acadia/Priory merger faces in-depth investigation* Acadia’s completed acquisition of Priory faces being referred for an in-depth investigation by the CMA. Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc (Acadia) through its UK subsidiary Partnerships in Care, and Priory Group No.1 Limited (Priory) overlap in (...)

CMA ACCEPTES RECORDS MANAGEMENT UNDERTAKINGS* The CMA has accepted undertakings from Iron Mountain Inc to sell C21 Data Services in Aberdeen and Dundee to an approved buyer. Iron Mountain and Recall both provide records management services, which comprise the storage and retrieval of paper (...)

Broker merger faces an in-depth investigation* Tullett’s anticipated acquisition of ICAP’s voice/hybrid broking business faces being referred for an in-depth investigation by the CMA. Tullett Prebon plc (Tullett) and ICAP plc (ICAP) are leading global interdealer brokers, companies that (...)

CMA’s private healthcare provisional decision on remedies* The CMA has provisionally found that likely changes in London’s private healthcare market mean that extra remedies would not be proportionate. In April 2012, the Competition Commission, a predecessor body of the Competition and Markets (...)

CMA fines pharma companies £45 million* The CMA has fined a number of pharmaceutical companies for anti-competitive conduct and agreements in relation to the supply of paroxetine. The CMA’s decision relates to conduct and agreements between 2001 and 2004 in which GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK), the (...)

CMA ACCEPTS REMEDY IN SERVICED OFFICE SPACE MERGER * The Competition and Markets Authority has today accepted a remedy to resolve competition concerns arising from Regus’ acquisition of Avanta. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced on 18 November 2015 that it would consider in (...)

CMA welcomes Supreme Court judgment in Eurotunnel case* The CMA has welcomed the judgment by the Supreme Court to uphold its appeal in the Eurotunnel case. In the judgment handed down today, the Supreme Court has ruled that the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) took the correct approach (...)

CMA refers computer-based testing merger for in-depth investigation* The CMA has referred Pearson VUE’s anticipated acquisition of learndirect’s computer-based testing business for a phase 2 investigation. Earlier this month, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said that it would refer (...)

Pharmacy merger faces in-depth investigation* Celesio’s anticipated acquisition of Sainsbury’s pharmacy business faces being referred for an in-depth investigation by the CMA. Celesio AG (Celesio), through its subsidiary Lloyds Pharmacy Limited (Lloyds), operates 1,542 pharmacies across the UK, (...)

CMA PROVISIONALLY CLEARS BT/EE MERGER * The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has provisionally cleared BT’s anticipated acquisition of EE. BT Group plc (BT) and EE Limited (EE) are large telecommunications companies in the UK. They operate largely in separate areas with BT strong in (...)

CMA presses on with remedies removal* The CMA is continuing its drive to ensure that its remedies do not stay in place longer than needed. As part of a series of such reviews, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has looked at remedies resulting from 13 merger investigations and (...)

CMA provisionally clears water merger* The CMA has today provisionally cleared the purchase of Bournemouth Water by South West Water. In June 2015, the completed acquisition by Pennon Group plc (the owner of South West Water Limited) of Bournemouth Water Investments Limited (which operates (...)

CMA CONSIDERS REMEDIES IN FAMILY LAW INFORMATION MERGER* The CMA has decided to consider in detail whether to accept remedies offered by Reed Elsevier (UK) Limited. Earlier this month, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced that it would refer the anticipated acquisition by (...)

CMA closes hotel online booking investigation* The CMA today announced that it has closed an investigation into suspected breaches of competition law in the hotel online booking sector. The investigation was launched by the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) predecessor, the Office of (...)

Guidance on new compensation schemes power in competition cases* The CMA today published guidance on a new power to encourage competition law-breaking businesses to voluntarily pay compensation to victims. Under the guidance, businesses setting up voluntary redress schemes can, in certain (...)

CMA ORDERS REMEDY TO MEET CONCERN OVER LUBRICANTS MERGER * The CMA has found that Reckitt Benckiser’s anticipated acquisition of the K-Y brand could lead to higher prices for personal lubricants. In its final report published today, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has concluded the (...)

CMA issues statement of objections to Pfizer and Flynn Pharma in anti-epilepsy drug investigation* The CMA has today issued a statement of objections to the pharmaceutical suppliers Pfizer and Flynn Pharma alleging that they have breached competition law. The Competition and Markets (...)

Rendering merger faces in-depth investigation unless undertakings offered* Linergy’s acquisition of Ulster Farm By-Products will be referred for an in-depth phase 2 investigation unless acceptable undertakings are offered. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has found that the (...)

SOUTH WEST AND BOURNEMOUTH WATER MERGER REFERRED FOR AN IN-DEPTH INVESTIGATION * The CMA today referred the merger of Bournemouth Water with South West Water for an in-depth phase 2 investigation. Currently the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has a duty to refer mergers involving (...)

BT/EE merger fast-tracked to phase 2 investigation* The CMA has today referred BT Group plc’s anticipated acquisition of EE Limited for an in-depth phase 2 investigation. BT and EE are, respectively, the largest suppliers of fixed communications services and mobile communications services in (...)

CMA CONFIRMS CLEARANCE OF PORK FARMS / KERRY FOODS MERGER* The CMA has today cleared the completed acquisition by Pork Farms Caspian of the chilled savoury pastry business of Kerry Foods. This confirms April’s provisional findings by the group of Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) (...)

CMA PROVISIONALLY CLEARS PACKAGING MERGER* The CMA has provisionally cleared the completed acquisition by Sonoco Products Company of Weidenhammer Packaging Group. Sonoco and Weidenhammer both produce composite cans (rigid tubes with closures on each end) which are supplied to customers for (...)

CMA consults on GTCR proposed undertaking* The CMA is consulting on a proposed undertaking in lieu of a reference in relation to GTCR’s acquisition of Gorkana Group. In April, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced it would consider in detail an undertaking proposed by GTCR (...)

CMA SETS OUT PROVISIONAL CONCERNS OVER LUBRICANTS MERGER* The CMA has provisionally found that Reckitt Benckiser’s anticipated acquisition of the K-Y brand could lead to higher prices for personal lubricants. Reckitt Benckiser (RB) and Johnson & Johnson (J&J) supply personal lubricants (...)

CMA publishes updated issues statement in banking market investigation* The CMA has today published an updated issues statement as part of its investigation into the supply of personal current accounts and retail banking services to SMEs. The updated issues statement summarises the (...)

CMA SEEKS PERMISSION TO APPEAL IN EUROTUNNEL CASE * The CMA today announced that it will seek permission to appeal following last week’s Court of Appeal judgment in the Eurotunnel case. The judgment upheld a challenge to the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) jurisdiction over (...)

CMA FORMALLY CLEARS SPECIALIST INSURANCE MERGER* The CMA has formally cleared the completed acquisition by Xchanging of certain companies comprising all of the European operations of Agencyport. Xchanging plc (Xchanging) and Agencyport Software Group (Agencyport) supply specialist software to (...)

CMA PROVISIONALLY CLEARS PORK FARMS / KERRY FOOD MERGER* The CMA has provisionally cleared the completed acquisition by Pork Farms Caspian of the chilled savoury pastry business of Kerry Foods. Pork Farms Group Limited, through the Pork Farms Caspian Limited subsidiary, and Kerry Foods (...)

CMA PROVISIONALLY CLEARS SPECIALIST INSURANCE MERGER* The CMA has provisionally cleared the completed acquisition by Xchanging of certain companies comprising all of the European operations of Agencyport. Xchanging plc (Xchanging) and Agencyport Software Group (Agencyport) supply specialist (...)

Companies fined over £775,000 in CMA investigation into advertising of agents’ fees* An association of estate and lettings agents in Hampshire, three of its members and a newspaper publisher have admitted breaching competition law and have agreed to pay penalties totalling over £775,000. The (...)

The CMA has today published an updated issues statement as part of its investigation into the Great Britain energy markets.* The updated issues statement (PDF, 969KB, 49 pages) summarises the investigation group’s initial thinking based on the evidence it has received, and the analysis it has (...)

CMA welcomes Court of Appeal Judgment on Ryanair/Aer Lingus* The CMA welcomes today’s judgment by the Court Of Appeal dismissing Ryanair’s challenge on all 3 grounds. The judgment followed an appeal by Ryanair Holdings plc (Ryanair) against an earlier decision made by the Competition Appeal (...)

Stagecoach/Virgin consortium given chance to resolve limited competition concerns arising from the East Coast rail franchise award* ICRL, a subsidiary jointly owned by Stagecoach and Virgin Trains, has the chance to avoid an in-depth merger investigation into its successful bid to run the East (...)

The CMA has welcomed today’s judgment by the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) to uphold the CMA’s decision to bar Eurotunnel from running its MyFerryLink service out of Dover, to safeguard competition.* The CAT’s judgment dismissed an appeal by Eurotunnel and Société Coopérative de Production de (...)

CMA sets out proposals to lower payday loan costs* The CMA has set out proposals to increase price competition between payday lenders and help borrowers get a better deal. These proposals have been developed in light of the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) price cap proposals announced this (...)

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has today published the final order that will put into action major changes in the UK statutory audit market for large companies.* The changes follow the Competition Commission’s (CC’s) report into the market published last year which set out changes (...)

The CMA has today published measures it expects to increase competition in the car insurance market and reduce the cost of premiums for drivers.* The measures are included in the final report of its investigation, conducted by an independent panel of members, into the private motor insurance (...)

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has cleared Omnicell/MTS’s proposed acquisition of SurgiChem.* This confirms the CMA’s provisional decision which was published last month and has been made by a group of independent CMA panel members. Omnicell, Inc./MTS Medication Technologies, Inc. (...)

CC formally clears Pan Fish /Marine Harvest Merger* The Competition Commission (CC) has formally cleared the anticipated acquisition by Pan Fish ASA of Marine Harvest NV. In its final report published today at www.competition-commission.org.uk, the CC has concluded that the acquisition may (...)

Association of British Insurer’s General Terms of Agreement* On 13 November 2002, the ABI notified its GTA between insurers and credit hire organisations (CHOs) to the OFT for a decision that the GTA did not fall within the Chapter I prohibition of the Competition Act 1998 (’the Act’) or, in the (...)