Focus Antitrust 8 July 2020
In The News
CMA completes market study into online platforms and the digital advertising market
The CMA has completed its market study into online platforms and the digital advertising market in the UK, concluding that competition is not working well in these markets and recommending a new pro-competition regulatory regime to govern the behaviour of major platforms funded by digital advertising, such as Google and Facebook. Click here.
CMA publishes further update from its COVID-19 taskforce
The CMA has published a third update from its COVID-19 taskforce, which monitors and responds to competition and consumer problems arising from the pandemic. Click here.
High Court orders disqualification of estate agent cartel director
The High Court has ordered the disqualification of a director whose Somerset estate agency breached competition law. Click here.
EU
European Commission
- The European Commission has sent a supplementary statement of objections to Sigma as part of its ongoing investigation into whether Sigma provided incorrect and/or misleading information to the Commission in the context of the merger review of its acquisition by Merck. Click here.
UK
CMA
- The CMA is proposing to refer ION’s completed purchase of Broadway Technology for a detailed investigation unless the parties offer suitable undertakings in lieu of a reference. The CMA has found that the merger raises competition concerns in the supply of electronic trading systems. 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.
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.
Grégoire Uldry
New Swiss succession law on the transfer of businesses
On 10 June 2022, the Federal Council adopted its Message amending the Civil Code on the transfer of businesses by succession.