Focus Antitrust - 22 July 2020
min readIn The News
CMA provisionally finds window blind merger gives rise to competition concerns
The CMA has provisionally found that the completed acquisition by Hunter Douglas N.V. of a controlling interest in 247 Home Furnishings Ltd. gives rise to competition concerns in relation to online made-to-measure blinds. Click here.
European Commission launches sector inquiry into the consumer Internet of Things
The European Commission has launched a sector inquiry into the consumer Internet of Things. The sector inquiry will focus on consumer-related products and services that are connected to a network and can be controlled at a distance, for example via a voice assistant or mobile device, including smart home appliances and wearable devices. The Commission considers that knowledge about the market gained through the inquiry will contribute to its enforcement of competition law in this sector. Click here.
EU
European Courts
- An Advocate General’s opinion has been issued in relation to a potential abuse of dominance by a music collecting society concerning its pricing practices for music festivals. Click here.
UK
CMA
- The CMA has issued its decision finding that music retailer GAK and instrument supplier Yamaha Music breached competition law by engaging in resale price maintenance. The CMA imposed a fine of £278,945 on GAK, which includes a 20% discount to reflect savings for admissions and co-operation with the CMA under a settlement agreement. Click here.
