Focus Antitrust - 16 September 2020
In The New
CMA to refer motorcycle insurance broker merger
The CMA has found that Ardonagh’s completed purchase of Bennetts raises competition concerns in the distribution of motorcycle insurance to private customers in the UK. Click here.
CMA publishes final decision in Hunter Douglas/247 Home Furnishings window blinds merger investigation
The CMA has published its final decision in its Hunter Douglas/247 Home Furnishings window blinds merger investigation. The CMA has decided that Hunter Douglas must sell the majority of its shares in 247. Click here.
EU
European Courts
- An Advocate General’s opinion has concluded that the ECJ should confirm that a private action alleging an abuse of dominance is based on tort, even where the abuses takes place within the framework of the contractual relationship between the relevant parties. Click here.
UK
CMA
- Taboola has announced that it is abandoning its proposed purchase of Outbrain. The merger was referred for a detailed phase 2 investigation by the CMA in June. Click here.
Our thinking
Emma Humphreys
The Future of Property Careers
Join to our panel discussion and Q&A with industry leaders on the range of opportunities within the property and construction sector.
Mark Howard
Dual class share structures: how do they work and what are the pros and cons?
Dual class share structures allow a shareholder, for example the founder, to retain voting control over a company.
Georgina Muskett
Q&A: Talking the telecoms talk
Georgina Muskett and Jonathan Wills answer queries on Electronic Communications Code agreement.
Rachel Warren
Property Patter: Navigating the complexities of Pharmacy Property
Pharmacy property is a specialist area which contains many traps for the unwary.
Nick Hurley
COVID-19 Vaccination – can an employer make it compulsory for employees?
We review what legal issues to take into account when considering to make vaccination compulsory as an employer.
Georgia Sutton
Music to our ears? Well, perhaps not for Apple.
A feud first began when the music streaming giant, Spotify, filed a complaint against music streaming provide rand competitor, Apple Inc.
Michael Powner
Linking ESG and Executive Pay
How does a business go about embedding a focus on strong ESG performance into the structures and culture of its organisation?
Paul Stone
National Security and Investment Act granted Royal Assent
The Act establishes a new regime for the review of mergers, acquisitions and other transactions that could threaten national security.
Ray Ng
Recent Trends In Firewall Legislation: BVI, Bermuda And Gibraltar
Andrew Clarke
Charles Russell Speechlys advises Waverton on acquisition of Cornerstone Asset Management
Established in July 2010 and with offices in Edinburgh and Glasgow, Cornerstone offers wealth management and financial planning advice.
Lauren Spark
What do the new Debt Respite Scheme Regulations mean for Landlords and Tenants?
This will provide legal protection from creditors in the form of either a breathing space or a mental health crisis moratorium.
Simon Ridpath
Charles Russell Speechlys promotes five to Partner
The promotions are effective 1 May 2021 and are accompanied by one Legal Director and 15 Senior Associate promotions.
Emma Humphreys
Risk allocation in commercial leases: the High Court considers rent suspension, insurance and frustration arguments
Read our summary of the full judgement on the latest Covid arrears case.
Robert Reymond
Charles Russell Speechlys boosts private wealth offering with the hire of an international tax team
Robert Reymond will be joined at the firm by Leigh Nicoll, Emma Tyrrell and Oliver Cooper.
James Scott
Proposed Takeover Code Amendments – Key Changes
The Consultation Paper has now been followed by a corresponding response paper which made certain modifications to the initial proposals.
Paul Stone
Competition and Markets Authority announces review of the EU vertical agreements block exemption
The UK Competition and Markets Authority is reviewing the future application of the EU vertical agreements block exemption in the UK.
Anna Rogers
Playing Copycat – Why have M&S begun legal action against Aldi over Colin the Caterpillar?
M&S’s chocolate caterpillar was the first of its kind to land on our supermarket shelves, over 30 years ago.
Caroline Swain
Building Back Better: Future Gazing
What’s next for the hospitality industry post-pandemic?
Caroline Swain
Building Back Better: Re-examining your proposition
Why hospitality businesses should re-examine their proposition now
Caroline Swain
Building Back Better: Real Estate and Restructuring
How and why should hospitality businesses re-structure post pandemic?