Focus Antitrust - 18 October 2017

In The News

CMA provisionally clears Just Eat/Hungryhouse merger

The CMA has reached the provisional conclusion that Just Eat’s acquisition of Hungryhouse does not raise competition concerns.   The CMA found that Hungryhouse presently provides limited competition to Just Eat because it is much smaller in size and offers too few unique restaurants.  Click here.

Government consults on changes to merger regime in relation to national security

The Government is consulting on proposals that would extend its ability to intervene in mergers that raise national security concerns involving companies that design or manufacture military and dual use products, and parts of the advanced technology sector.  Click here. 

EU

Mergers

• The European Commission has approved the proposed acquisition of FTE by Valeo, both automotive equipment suppliers.  The decision is conditional on the divestment of Valeo's passive hydraulic actuators business to the Italian car parts supplier Raicam.  Click here.
• The European Commission has opened an in-depth Phase 2 investigation to assess the proposed creation of an acetate flake and acetate tow joint venture by Celanese and Blackstone.  The Commission has concerns that the transaction may reduce competition in the acetate tow market.  Click here.

UK

CMA

• The CMA has announced that it considers that there are reasonable grounds for believing that undertakings in lieu offered by Vision Express, in relation to its anticipated acquisition of Tesco Opticians, might be accepted by the CMA under the Enterprise Act 2002.  Click here.  
• The CMA has opened three investigations into alleged anti-competitive agreements and conduct in relation to the supply of certain generic pharmaceutical products under Chapters I and II of the Competition Act 1998 and Articles 101 and 102.  Click here.
• The CMA has accepted undertakings in lieu of a reference from Origin in relation to its merger with Bunn.  Click here.
• The CMA has issued its final report, following the phase 2 investigation of the merger of Cygnet Health Care Ltd and Cambian Adult Services.  The CMA has found that the merger could affect the quality and price of mental health rehabilitation services for male patients in the East Midlands, and so the parties must now sell off one of their hospitals in this region.  Click here. 

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