Competition Lawyers

Privately funded healthcare services deadline looming

First published by Author on September 26, 2019 in the following categories: Healthcare Industry Latest and tagged with cma | competition law | investigations

The deadline for continuing the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation into the privately funded healthcare services is looming.

The CMA has been looking into whether there’s any anti-competitive arrangements in the sector. If there are, competition may be stifled, and the consumer may be getting hit in the pocket.

When it comes to investigations that involve healthcare, they can often be the most important ones. They say that you can’t put a price on your health, but in reality, big medical companies and pharmaceutical giants literally do just that.

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.

Anti-virus software sector investigation latest

First published by Author on September 12, 2019 in the following categories: Industry Pricing and tagged with cma | competition law | investigations | pricing

Here’s the latest in the important anti-virus software sector investigation that’s being conducted by the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority).

It’s an important one, especially given how prevalent cybersecurity is these days. There have been so many hacks and attacks in recent times that all organisations – both public and private sector – must invest properly to ensure that they’re defended.

But are service providers in the sector offering their vital line of defence in terms that are deemed as fair, and in the spirit of healthy competition? That’s essentially what the CMA wants to find out.

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.

Higher education consumer protection review

First published by Author on August 29, 2019 in the following categories: Education and tagged with cma | investigations

The higher education consumer protection review was opened way back in May 2014, and a final advice was published by the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) in March 2015.

However, when it comes to the compliance reviews that have been going on thereafter, and the undertakings from the relevant universities, the watchful eye of the CMA remains fixed on the sector.

The case is classed as a closed case, but there has been a recent development that forms as part of the ongoing commitments to ensure enforcement is in place.

CMA launch review into unarranged overdraft alerts

First published by Author on August 22, 2019 in the following categories: Banking Sector Industry and tagged with cma | competition law | retail banking

Following the Retail Banking Market Investigation Order 2017, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced a review into the unarranged overdraft alerts aspect of the order.

The decision for a review to be carried out by the CMA was outlined at the start of July. It involves potential changes that may come about as a result of the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) becoming involved with new rules set for the end of the year.

With banks having made significant amounts of money for a number of years from fees charged for overdrafts, this continues to be an important matter for regulators to keep an eye on.

Anti-competitive agreements for pharmaceutical drugs: statement of objections issued

In the latest investigation into suspected anti-competitive agreements for pharmaceutical drugs, a statement of objections has been issued by the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority).

The statement was issued last month and relates to a number of pharmaceutical companies who stand accused of participating in anti-competitive behaviour. Whether it’s a case of formal agreements in place, or concerted practices, the issue surrounds the supply of 50mg and 100mg nitrofurantoin capsules in the UK.

This investigation by the CMA into the practices of pharmaceutical firms is one of many that have been ongoing for a number of years. They’re one of the most important areas the CMA needs to safeguard.

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.

Barchester consumer protection case

First published by Author on August 01, 2019 in the following categories: Care Homes Pricing and tagged with care home | cma | investigations | pricing

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is taking action in the Barchester consumer protection case under the pretence that consumer laws may have been broken.

The wider action surrounding care homes in the UK has been going on for over two years now, and we recently reported about the court action launched against Care UK.

Now, the CMA has sent a letter before action to Barchester Healthcare Limited, Barchester Healthcare Homes Limited, Grove Limited and Barchester Holdco (Jersey) Limited; known altogether as ‘Barchester’. It’s alleged that certain fees that have been charged contravene consumer protection laws.

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.