Focus Antitrust - 25 July 2019

In The News

European Commission fines Qualcomm €242 million for engaging in abusive predatory pricing for 3G baseband chipsets

The European Commission has fined Qualcomm €242 million for abusing a dominant position in 3G baseband chipsets by engaging in predatory pricing aimed at forcing its competitor Icera out of the market. Click here.

CMA proposing to refer Liqui-Box/DS Smith packaging merger

The CMA is proposing to refer Liqui-Box’s proposed takeover of DS Smith’s rigid and flexible packaging business for a detailed phase 2 merger investigation, unless the parties offer suitable undertakings in lieu of a reference. Click here.

Competition Appeal Tribunal finds against Network Rail

The Competition Appeal Tribunal has upheld a claim against Network Rail, finding that a requirement that suppliers seeking access to Network Rail’s managed infrastructure must obtain supplier assurance only through a specified scheme and not through alternative schemes infringes the Chapter I and Chapter II prohibitions. Click here.

EU

Mergers

• The European Commission has cleared Vodafone's acquisition of Liberty Global's cable business in Czechia, Germany, Hungary and Romania, subject to conditions. Click here.

UK

CMA

• The CMA is proposing to refer the award of the East Midlands rail franchise to Abellio East Midlands Limited for a detailed phase 2 merger investigation, unless the Abellio offers suitable undertakings in lieu of a reference.  Click here.

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