Focus Antitrust - 7 November 2018

In The News

CMA sends statement of objections to ComparetheMarket in relation to most favoured nation clauses

The CMA has sent a statement of objections to ComparetheMarket, provisionally concluding that its most favoured nation clauses which prevent home insurance providers from quoting lower prices on rival sites and other channels could be in breach of competition law. Click here.

European Commission approves Disney's acquisition of parts of Fox subject to conditions

The European Commission has conditionally approved the proposed acquisition of parts of Fox by Disney. The Commission found that the proposed transaction would have eliminated competition between two strong suppliers of factual channels in several EEA Member States and so clearance is conditional on Disney divesting its interest in all factual channels it controls in the EEA, namely History, H2, Crime & Investigation, Blaze and Lifetime channels. These channels are currently controlled by A+E Television Networks, which is a joint venture between Disney and Hearst. Click here.

European Commission opens in-depth merger investigation into joint venture between Tata Steel and ThyssenKrupp

The European Commission has opened an in-depth phase 2 merger investigation to assess the proposed creation of a joint venture by Tata Steel and ThyssenKrupp. At this stage, the Commission is concerned that the merger may reduce competition in the supply of various high-end steels. Click here.

EU

Articles 101 and 102

• The European Commission has decided to close its investigation into a codeshare agreement between Brussels Airlines and TAP Air Portugal relating to the Brussels-Lisbon route, which the Commission was carrying out on its own initiative. The Commission concluded that the evidence collected was not sufficient to confirm its initial concerns. Click here.

Mergers

• The European Commission has approved the acquisition of AniCura, a veterinary clinic chain, by Mars, a supplier of pet food, including dietetic pet food. The approval is conditional on the divestment of AniCura's VetFamily business. Click here.

• The European Commission has approved the proposed acquisition of sole control of EMI Music Publishing by Sony Corporation of America. Click here.

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