Focus Antitrust - 30 August 2017

In The News

Secretary of State issues update on Fox/Sky merger

The Secretary of State has issued an update on her consideration of the proposed merger between 21st Century Fox Inc. and Sky Plc. Following her request for advice and clarification in light of representations received in relation to the proposed merger, Ofcom have submitted additional advice to the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State will now consider that advice before making her decision on referral. Click here.

CMA removes immunity from fines for mobility scooter supplier

The CMA has announced that it has decided to withdraw immunity from fines from a mobility scooter supplier it has found is likely to have infringed competition law by preventing retailers from advertising prices online or from advertising them below specified prices. The supplier had benefitted from immunity under the small agreements exemption. Click here.

CMA fines Ping £1.45m for online sales ban on golf clubs

The CMA has fined golf club manufacturer Ping £1.45 million for banning UK retailers from selling its golf clubs online. The CMA found that, while Ping was pursuing a genuine commercial aim of promoting in-store custom fitting, it could have achieved this through less restrictive means. Click here.

EU

Mergers

• The European Commission has cleared the proposed acquisition of vending services provider Pelican Rouge of the Netherlands by Selecta of Switzerland. The clearance is conditional on the divestiture by Selecta of all vending service activities in Finland. Click here.

UK

CMA

• The CMA has issued its provisional findings on the merger between Cygnet and the Cambian Adult Services division of the Cambian Group. The CMA has identified two local areas in England where the parties' hospitals are close competitors, such that the merger would be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition. Click here.
• The CMA has issued its provisional findings on the acquisition by Cardtronics of rival ATM provider DirectCash Payments. The CMA has provisionally found that the acquisition does not give rise to competition concerns and should be cleared. 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.