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.