Category: Investigations

Roll-over contracts for online gaming investigation

First published by Author on January 15, 2020 in the following categories: Consumer Law Industry Investigations and tagged with cma | competition law | contracts | investigations | online gaming

Last April, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) initiated an investigation into roll-over contracts for online gaming.

The online gaming sector has grown exponentially in recent years, with at least one console a staple in most modern houses these days, I would assume. The monetisation of online gaming has led to more purchase options for the consumer, so the costs of being involved in online gaming is something that should be carefully considered.

In the same way that the CMA has been looking into contract factors for things like broadband and telecommunications, they’re also keen to know if the online gaming sector is being fair. As this is just the initial investigation stage, no assumptions are being made as to whether important laws are being broken or not.

Latest in the funeral directors market investigation

First published by Author on January 02, 2020 in the following categories: Industry Investigations and tagged with cma | competition law | funerals market | investigations

The funeral directors market investigation that’s being conducted by the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) remains ongoing.

In terms of the latest happenings and goings on, here’s a brief update based on information from the CMA about the progress of their important work in this sector.

It goes without saying that this is another important investigation for the competition regulator. People are in obvious need of funeral and crematorium services, and the need for such services will likely increase with population growth.

The musical instruments and equipment investigation

First published by Author on December 20, 2019 in the following categories: Industry Investigations Latest and tagged with cma | competition law | investigations | musical instruments

The musical instruments and equipment investigation is a matter that’s currently being conducted by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

The market for musical equipment and instruments has grown exponentially in recent decades. There’s now far greater access to instruments at more affordable prices, and the materials available online for people to learn to play are vast. So many youngsters want to be in bands, and it’s great that there’s such an appetite for musical creativity.

But the CMA has been looking into another side of the sector, and it’s one where foul play is being suspected.

Provisional finding in drug price hikes case

The UK’s competition regulator has made a provisional finding in the longstanding investigation into drug price hikes, and the outcome is damning.

Issues surrounding pharmaceutical competition breaches are numerous and serious. At the end of the day, the consumer in these cases is patients and the NHS; that’s our tax money.

Any infringement of vital competition laws when it comes to medical matters should always lead to significant punishments, and the work of the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) in this area is incredibly important. The provisional finding in this matter accompanies an admission from one of the companies involved as well.

Supply of construction services competition investigation

First published by Author on October 17, 2019 in the following categories: Investigations Latest and tagged with cma | competition law | construction industry | investigations

construction companies anti-competitive behaviour

The investigation started by the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) earlier this year into the supply of construction services is now set to proceed.

The decision looks to have been made after an initial information gathering exercise that has been carried out since March this year.

Given the scale of this industry, it’s another important when it comes to ensuring that there’s healthy competition in place that allows consumers to pay fair prices. Not only is competition important for keeping prices down, but it also allows players in the market to innovate in terms of efficiency and lowering costs for both products and services alike.

This can all benefit the consumer.

Funerals market investigation latest

First published by Author on September 19, 2019 in the following categories: Investigations and tagged with cma | competition law | funerals market | investigations

Here’s the latest in the ongoing funerals market investigation that’s being conducted by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

The market study was launched last year in June 2018. Research was commissioned to better understand the experiences and decision-making processes of people who had engaged the services of a funeral director. A number of businesses in the market responded after the launch of the market study and made comments in relation to the information gathering exercise that the CMA is undertaking.

With this being a market that will (likely) always be there, it’s an important one when it comes to making sure that competition is healthy in the sector.

Loyalty penalty investigation: the latest

First published by Author on September 04, 2019 in the following categories: Investigations Loyalty Penalties Pricing and tagged with cma | incentives | investigations | loyalty penalties | pricing

There has been an update about some of the positive steps that have been taken in the wake of the huge loyalty penalty investigation, often referred to as a “super complaint”.

A “super complaint” is a complaint that’s usually submitted by a consumer body on behalf of a number of people who have the same complaint against sometimes several companies, and sometimes across more than one sector. The loyalty penalty super complaint stemmed from the Citizens Advice Bureau who had raised concerns over customers paying more for goods and services for sticking with the same suppliers.

This one has covered notable areas that include insurance, mortgages, bank accounts, broadband services and mobile services.

Privately funded healthcare competition investigation

First published by Author on August 09, 2019 in the following categories: Industry Investigations and tagged with cma | competition law | healthcare | investigations

The privately funded healthcare competition investigation was initiated by the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) last month.

At this stage, it’s only an initial investigation, and as the CMA often confirm, there are no assumptions to be made at this moment in time. What we do know is that a decision as to whether the investigation will continue or not is set to be made in the next couple of months.

As more and more services are outsourced to the private sector in relation to healthcare, this could be a significant investigation.

Supply of precast concrete drainage investigation update

First published by Author on July 25, 2019 in the following categories: Cartels Industry Investigations Latest and tagged with cartels | cma | competition law | investigations

Here’s the latest in the investigation into the suspected cartel arrangements in the supply of precast concrete drainage sector.

The investigation being conducted by the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) was launched way back in 2016. Since then, a number of steps have been taken, and admissions of participating in cartel behaviour have been made at the end of 2018.

The final penalty amounts have yet to be concluded and issued, but based on the most recent update from the CMA, we expect to be seeing more updates soon.

Online platforms and digital advertising market study launched

First published by Author on July 18, 2019 in the following categories: Advertising Investigations and tagged with advertising | cma | competition law | market study

This month, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has confirmed that a market study has been launched into online platforms and digital advertising.

The CMA has cited their duty to protect consumers in what is a huge and growing digital economy. They want to ensure there’s healthy competition, and ensure that big players in the market are not abusing their powers for their own advantage.

Invitations for comment have been issued with a deadline for responses set for the end of this month.