“Is the cleaning services sector lacking a competitive edge?” Alleged anti-competitive agreements in the industry may be an infringement of the Competition Act
First published by Author on November 17, 2016 in the following categories: Latest and tagged with cma
The cleaning services sector is the next sector to receive the limelight and an investigation from the UK’s Competition Markets Authority (CMA).
In March this year, the CMA launched an investigation into alleged agreements following allegations that the sector were involved in anti-competitive arrangements, which claimed an infringement on the Competition Act 1998.
These are very serious allegations.
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“Energy Markets Competition Remedies” – Competition and Markets Authority’s investigation has led to a positive outcome for healthy competition in the energy market
First published by Author on November 14, 2016 in the following categories: Latest and tagged with cma
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has been investigating the supply and acquisition of energy in Great Britain. The two year investigation was sparked when the CMA became concerned with competition in the energy markets, and the pricing for domestic and micro business customers (micro businesses defined as with fewer than 10 employees.)
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“CMA’s Energy Price Comparison investigation given the red light” – The investigation into companies agreeing not to bid for the same search terms has closed, says the CMA
First published by Admin on November 11, 2016 in the following categories: Latest and tagged with cma
Back in October last year, the Competition Markets Authority (CMA) initiated an investigation into energy price comparison websites as a result of suspected anti-competitive behaviour.
Now, the CMA has decided to close the case on ‘administrative priority grounds’.
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“Are you sure you’re getting the best deal?” – CMA launches study into Digital Comparison Tools
First published by Admin on November 04, 2016 in the following categories: Latest
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) recently launched a study into Digital Comparison Tools.
Their concerns are centred on how the tools can limit competition through an alleged lack of transparency and lack of information they give to their consumers. The CMA will specifically review the private motor insurance, energy, and banking sectors.
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“A Monopoly between Britain’s largest Adult Gaming companies” – CMA investigates the merger of Novomatic and Talarius
First published by Author on October 24, 2016 in the following categories: Mergers and tagged with cma
In early September, the CMA announced an investigation into the merger between Australian gambling operator, Tatts, and Austrian Gaming Giants, Novomatic. The merger came when Talarius U.K. (subsidiary company of Tatts) failed to reach their targeted profits and sold on their U.K. division to Novomatic on 24 June for £116 million.
The merger could be seen as ‘fishy’ as both companies are seen as big players in the British Adult Gaming industry, with Talarius machines operating in approximately 170 venues across the U.K.
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UK Opioid medication company sued by 36 U.S. States for anticompetitive conduct
First published by Author on October 14, 2016 in the following categories: Latest
A UK based producer of opioids, Indivior Plc, is being sued in America by 36 States for alleged anticompetitive behaviour.
The medication they produce – Suboxone – is used to treat addictions to heroine and pain killers, which are reported as growing problems in America, according to news sources.
They are alleged to have blocked access to cheaper alternatives of their medication, forcing users to pay the higher prices they enforce.
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Dentsu overcharging scandal
First published by Author on October 03, 2016 in the following categories: Latest
Japanese digital advertising giants Dentsu have acknowledged and apologised for overcharging hundreds of companies using their services for online advertising.
Dentsu Inc have reportedly overcharged 111 companies, which has been seen as a surprise given that the company is renowned for having a far reach across Japan as well as being known for avoiding the headlines for the wrong reasons.
The Dentsu overcharging scandal may have unfortunately cast the company in a very different light though.
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European Commission fines Altstoff Recycling Austria (ARA) 6m Euros for competition hindrance
First published by Author on September 22, 2016 in the following categories: Latest
The EU Commission has fined Altstoff Recycling Austria (ARA) 6m Euros for reportedly blocking competitors from entering the market in Austria for household packaging waste services.
The investigation found that they hindered competition between 2008 and 2012 and have been found in breach of EU antitrust legislation – which is essentially competition rules and regulations on the continent.
It’s a huge fine from what is a serious breach of the rules; although the fine has been reduced by 30% for the company’s cooperation with the Commission’s investigations.
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Arriva Rail North / Northern rail franchise merger may result in significant lessening of competition in some areas
First published by Author on September 13, 2016 in the following categories: Latest and tagged with cma
The CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) have been investigating the merger situation of Arriva Rail North and Northern rail franchise to identify whether competition may be affected.
It’s always a danger when competition could be lessened through companies merging together and / or acquisition situations, which is why the CMA often gets involved in these scenarios.
The CMA has completed their initial findings and has identified some areas of the market which may face a substantial lessening of competition.
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Cash machine merger being investigated by the CMA over competition concerns
First published by Author on September 08, 2016 in the following categories: Latest and tagged with cma
The completed Diebold / Wincor Nixdorf merger has led to a CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) investigation as to whether the merger will result in concerns for competition in the market.
The investigation has been called an “in-depth investigation” because there is already a concern that the merger will result in the “substantial lessening” of competition in the market.
The companies are being asked for undertakings, or they could face sanctions from the CMA.
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