Focus Antitrust - 2 November 2016

In The News

European Commission sends Statement of Objections to Brussels Airlines and TAP Portugal on code-sharing on Brussels-Lisbon route

The European Commission has informed Brussels Airlines and TAP Portugal of its preliminary view that their codeshare cooperation on passenger services between Brussels and Lisbon restricted competition between the two airlines, in breach of EU competition law.  Click here.

CMA announces investigation into excessive pricing in pharmaceutical sector

The CMA has launched an investigation into suspected breaches of competition law in the pharmaceutical sector.  The investigation is under Chapter II of the Competition Act 1998 and Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.  The investigation relates to suspected unfair pricing by way of charging excessive prices in the supply of certain pharmaceutical products, including to the National Health Service.  Click here.  

EU

Mergers

• The European Commission has opened an in-depth phase two merger investigation into the proposed acquisition of Syngenta by ChemChina. The Commission will assess whether the deal may reduce competition in crop protection products and the supply of certain input chemicals.  Click here.
• The European Commission has cleared the proposed acquisition of US and German-based Rofin-Sinar by Coherent of the US.  Both are global suppliers of lasers. The approval is conditional on the divestment of Rofin-Sinar's Hull (UK) business producing low power CO2 lasers.  Click here.

UK

CMA

• The CMA has announced that it will refer Novomatic UK Ltd’s acquisition of Talarius Ltd for a phase two investigation unless suitable undertakings are given.  The CMA has found that the merger may lead to competition concerns in the supply of gaming machine products to the public in five local areas.  Click here. 

This article was written by Paul Stone.

For more information please contact Paul Stone on +44 (0)20 7203 5110 or at paul.stone@crsblaw.com