Focus Antitrust - 1 April 2020
In The News
Government excludes certain agreements relating to health services, groceries and Solent maritime crossings from prohibition on anticompetitive agreements in light of COVID-19
In light of COVID-19, the Government has issued orders excluding certain agreements relating to health services, groceries and Solent maritime crossings from the Chapter I prohibition on anti-competitive agreements. Click here.
CMA publishes competition law guidance on business co-operation in response to COVID-19
The CMA has published competition law guidance on its approach to business co-operation in response to COVID-19. The guidance indicates that the CMA will not take enforcement action against co-operation which is appropriate and necessary in order to ensure the supply and fair distribution of scarce products and/or services affected by the crisis to all consumers. Click here.
CMA seeks disqualification of two directors of estate agents
The CMA is seeking the disqualification of two directors of estate agents which agreed to fix minimum levels of commission fees for the provision of residential sales services in the Berkshire area. Click here.
EU
Mergers
- The European Commission has opened an in-depth phase 2 merger investigation to assess the proposed acquisition of Tachosil by Johnson & Johnson. The Commission is concerned that the merger may reduce potential competition and innovation for the supply of dual haemostatic patches. Click here.
UK
CMA
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The CMA is proposing to refer FNZ’s purchase of GBST for a detailed phase 2 merger investigation, unless the parties offer suitable undertakings in lieu of a reference. The CMA considers that the merger raises competition concerns in the provision of retail investment platform solutions in the UK. Click here.
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The Secretary of State has decided that DMG Media’s merger with JPIMedia Publications does not raise public interest issues. The CMA has also concluded its competition assessment and cleared the transaction. Click here.
Our thinking
IBA Annual Conference
The IBA heads to Miami for its 2022 Annual Conference bringing together thousands hundreds of lawyers from around the world.
Martin Wright
Joint Venture Opportunities
Join our panel where we will discuss various topics including Joint Venture structuring and Partner procurement.
Julia Cox
Mind your business: Safeguarding your business against loss of mental capacity
Practical considerations to safeguard your business against loss of mental capacity.
Stephen Burns
PART 36— A move towards greater flexibility?
Discussing the possibility of the Part 36 regime opening up with recent developments.
Sarah Anticoni
FT Wealth quotes Sarah Anticoni on forum shopping
"Being the first to file for divorce is not a foolproof way of securing an English hearing"
Louise Ward
What can UK investors interested in Life Sciences learn from their more experienced, including US, counterparts?
The recent tie-up between Canary Wharf and Kadans demonstrates the enthusiasm to access the lucrative UK life sciences market.
Hanh Nguyen
The hurdles in establishing retrospective validation of post-petition dispositions
A discussion on the key takeaways from ICC Judge Barbers recent case ruling.
Helen Coward
Helen Coward writes for Tax Journal on the main purpose test for SDLT group relief
Mainly ignored? The main purpose test for SDLT group relief
Patricia Nathan-Amissah
The Ayes have it - Collateral Warranties can be a ‘Construction Contract’
The Court of Appeal handed down its judgment in the case of Abbey Healthcare (Mill Hill) Limited v Simply Construct (UK) LLP
Andrew Collins
Charles Russell Speechlys advises Caretech Holdings PLC on its proposed £870.3 million take private
Charles Russell Speechlys is advising the independent board of Caretech Holdings PLC, in its take private sale to Amalfi Bidco Limited.
Jonathan Morley
Charles Russell Speechlys advising Battery Ventures on the sale of SPT Labtech for £650 million.
Battery Ventures has raised over $9 billion to invest in software and services, enterprise infrastructure, and much more around the world.
Sarah Farrelly
Windrush Day 2022 – supporting access to justice
Charles Russell Speechlys is proud to continue supporting survivors of the Windrush scandal in their fight for justice.
Laura Bushaway
The Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022: Landlords and developers beware serious sanctions for non-compliance
The Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022 received Royal Assent on 8 February 2022 and will come into force on 30 June 2022.
Emma Preece
EG quotes Emma Preece on the Picturehouse and BNY Mellon rent arrears cases
“The case is being closely watched by landlords and tenants alike as the impact of the pandemic lives on in the commercial property sector”
David Coates
Charles Russell Speechlys has advised long-standing client Stonegate on a series A investment into Peckwater Brands
Stonegate is one of the largest pub companies in the UK with a rich portfolio that covers over 4,500 sites.
Sarah Farrelly
Pro bono support for major office premises move for charity in Stoke-on-Trent
Emmaus entities provide safe homes, community support and meaningful work to formerly homeless people across the UK.
Natalie Batra
ITV takes the plunge and “couples up” with Ebay to dress love island contestants in pre-loved clothing
Charlotte Posnansky
Reporting Restriction Order (reprised) - "Where there is no publicity there is no justice."
Rachel Warren
Financier Worldwide quotes Rachel Warren on the UK’s Economic Crime Act
Evaluating the UK’s Economic Crime Act
Felicity Chapman
Julia Cox and Felicity Chapman write for International Adviser on the rise of pre-nups in the UK
Julia Cox and Felicity Chapman write for International Adviser on the rise of pre-nups