Focus Antitrust - 24 June 2020
In The News
Supreme Court confirms that Visa and Mastercard interchange fees restrict competition
The Supreme Court has upheld the finding of the Court of Appeal that Visa and Mastercard interchange fees restrict competition. Click here.
CMA revises provisional findings in Amazon/Deliveroo case
The CMA has issued revised provisional findings in relation to Amazon’s 16% investment in Deliveroo, provisionally concluding that it is not likely to result in a substantial lessening of competition. Click here.
CMA opens abuse of dominance investigations into excessive and unfair prices for hand sanitiser products
The CMA has opened abuse of dominance investigations into suspected charging of excessive and unfair prices for hand sanitiser products during the coronavirus pandemic. The investigations relate to four pharmacies and convenience stores. Click here.
EU
European Commission
- The European Commission has opened an in-depth phase 2 investigation to assess the proposed merger of automotive companies Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. and Peugeot S.A. The Commission is concerned that the proposed transaction may reduce competition with respect to light commercial vehicles (vans) below 3.5 tonnes in the European Economic Area and, more specifically, in 14 EU Member States and the UK. Click here.
- The European Commission has opened an in-depth phase 2 investigation to assess the proposed acquisition of Refinitiv by the London Stock Exchange Group. The Commission is concerned that the proposed acquisition may reduce competition in trading and clearing of various financial instruments and in financial data products. Click here.
UK
CMA
- The Rt Hon. Lord Andrew Tyrie, Chairman of the CMA, has confirmed that he intends to step down from his current role in September 2020. Click here.
- The CMA is proposing to refer YPO’s anticipated acquisition of Findel 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 supply of resources to educational institutions in the UK. Click here.
- The CMA’s report into the anticipated acquisition by Gardner Aerospace Holdings Limited of Impcross Limited has been published. The Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has also announced a consultation on undertakings offered by Gardner Aerospace Holdings Limited regarding the abandonment of 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.
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.
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
Samuel Lear
Property Patter: Reasonable Endeavours
What does it mean to use ‘best’, ‘all’ or ‘reasonable’ endeavours?
Rose Carey
Could the UK’s Life Sciences Vision be restricted by its Immigration Policy?
We explore some of the visa options that may be open to businesses in the sector and their relative pros and cons.