Focus Antitrust - 9 September 2020
In The News
CMA pursues further director disqualifications as part of nortriptyline cartel investigation
The CMA has obtained a further director disqualification undertaking as part of its nortriptyline cartel investigation, as well as issuing director disqualification proceedings against another director. Click here.
CMA closes fourth investigation into excessive pricing of hand sanitiser
The CMA has closed its fourth investigation into excessive pricing of hand sanitiser, as it considers that the prices which the retailer is currently charging are unlikely to infringe competition law. Click here.
CMA fines Amazon for failing to comply with information requests as part of Deliveroo merger inquiry
The CMA has fined Amazon for failing to comply with information requests as part of its Deliveroo merger inquiry. The CMA has imposed penalties of £25,000 and £30,000 on Amazon for the failure to provide, without reasonable excuse, complete responses to two sets of statutory information requests, which resulted in 189 documents being produced after the initial deadline. Click here.
EU
European Commission
- The European Commission has published a Staff Working Document that summarises the findings of its evaluation of the Vertical Block Exemption Regulation, together with the Vertical Guidelines. Click here.
UK
CMA
- The CMA has signed a new co-operation framework with 5 of its international counterpart competition authorities. Click here.
Our thinking
When can you set off claims against different elements of a project
The Court’s decision raises important drafting considerations for construction contracts involving multiple elements of a project.
Drafting terms and conditions or negotiating a contract? Be wary of "unusual" and "exorbitant" exclusion clauses
When drafting a set of terms and conditions, companies must adhere to the requirements contained in the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977
Phil Webb
Stop, collaborate and listen: Top 10 Tips with Collaboration Agreements
Providing you with the top ten tips on collaboration agreements - what should you know?
Fiona Edmond
Fiona Edmond and Mark Smith write for Property Week on data centres as an infrastructure asset class
The complexity of operational issues is something those new to the sector may not anticipate and interest is likely to increase.
Preparing your company for sale
We set out here some initial steps to consider in anticipation of a sale.
Bart Peerless
ESG investment and the challenges for trustees
What challenges does the ESG revolution present for trustees of private family trusts?
Emma Humphreys
The impact of COVID-19 on commercial and residential tenancies
What impact has COVID-19 had on commercial and residential tenancies? Read more here.
Mark Howard
Charles Russell Speechlys advises discoverIE on its acquisition of Antenova
discoverIE is a leading international designer, manufacturer and supplier of customised electronics to industry.
Lauren Fraser
Q&A: Separate blocks, common parts and enfranchisement
Miriam Seitler and Lauren Fraser answer queries relating to leaseholders seeking to acquire the freehold.
Caroline Swain
2020: Influencer, 2021: Creative Director – what could go wrong?
Emma Humphreys
Coded messages for landlords and tenants
“What does the code of practice mean for landlords and tenants? Read more here”
Sarah Higgins
The family court’s role in micro managing 'trivial' disputes
The recent decision has dealt with the family court’s role in micro managing “trivial” disputes in relation to children
Gareth Mills
Gareth Mills writes for Lexology Getting The Deal Through on technology disputes in Bahrain
The most common disputes occur following perceived or actual failures to deliver required technology services an lack of clarity.
Matthew Radcliffe
Taxing horizons and fiscal black holes
A super-massive black hole at the centre of the nation’s finances means that tax reform and rates rises look increasingly likely.
Mark Howard
Charles Russell Speechlys advises Acora on acquisition of Westgate IT
Westgate IT specialises in providing IT support to businesses in the South West.
Jason Saiban
Jason Saiban writes for Food Manufacture on the food industry's climate change challenge
The key challenge will be how the environmental targets are actually met.
Emma Humphreys
Q&A: Wrestling with restrictive covenants
Camilla Lamont (barrister at Landmark Chambers) and Real Estate Disputes Partner Emma Humphreys answer a pair of covenant queries
Helen Wong
Charles Russell Speechlys advises Grape Paradise on the acquisition of a fine wine business
Charles Russell Speechlys has advised Grape Paradise on the acquisition of the Sarment Group in the China Mainland territories.
Grab the tail by the horns - Why is tail spend so critical in today’s outsourced portfolio?
It’s usually invisible, but in all likelihood, you’ve got tail spend.
Olivia Crane
Olivia Crane writes for The Grocer on the importance of robust data protection policies for checkout-less stores
The ‘personal data footprint’ created by this type of service and technology isn’t something that should be overlooked.