On 23 July 2021 the CMA published the report of its market study into the electric vehicle (EV) charging sector, in which it sets out a range of measures in order to ensure that a comprehensive and competitive national network of EV charge points is in place ahead of the 2030 ban on new petrol … Read more

On 20 July 2021 the government published a consultation on its proposals for a new pro-competition regime for digital markets.  The proposals are based on the recommendations set out in the Furman Review, the CMA’s final report of its market study into online platforms and advertising and the Digital Markets Taskforce report to government published … Read more

On 20 July 2021 the UK government launched a consultation on a wide range of far-reaching changes it is proposing to the UK competition and consumer protection regimes. As a result of Brexit the UK is now in a position to decide, independently from the EU Commission, how it promotes and enforces competition law affecting … Read more

On 20 July 2021, the UK Government announced the commencement date of the substantive provisions of the National Security and Investment Act 2021 (the “Act“), and published new guidance for business on the requirements of the Act, new Draft Notifiable Acquisition Regulations, and a new consultation draft of the Section 3 Statement (also known as … Read more

On 30 June 2021, the UK Government published its much-awaited Subsidy Control Bill.  In this update, we explore the key aspects of the proposed UK subsidy control regime.  We conclude with five key takeaways. Overview of the UK regime The Subsidy Control Bill establishes a UK subsidy control regime, in accordance with the UK’s obligations … Read more

On 17 June 2021 the CMA published a consultation on its proposed recommendations to the Secretary of State on the future of the retained vertical agreements block exemption Regulation (VBER).  At the end of the Brexit transition period the EU VBER became retained EU law in the UK, until its expiry on 31 May 2022.  … Read more

In its judgment of 21 May 2021 the Competition Appeal Tribunal (“CAT”) upheld the CMA’s approach in applying the share of supply test to assert jurisdiction over Sabre’s acquisition of Farelogix, (with the CMA ultimately prohibiting the transaction following an in-depth investigation). The CAT confirmed that the CMA has a broad discretion when applying the … Read more

Supporting the transition to a low carbon economy is one of the CMA’s goals in its 2021–2022 Annual Plan, which includes a commitment to improving its understanding of ‘green’ claims made by sellers to consumers and, where appropriate, making use of its powers to correct false or misleading statements that affect consumers. Read more