Tag: competition law
Provisional finding in drug price hikes case
First published by Author on December 04, 2019 in the following categories: Healthcare Investigations Price Hikes and tagged with cma | competition law | drugs | investigations | Pharmaceuticals | pricing
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.
More time allowed in the supply of groundworks investigation
First published by Author on November 20, 2019 in the following categories: Industry Market Sharing Price Fixing Pricing and tagged with cma | competition law | construction industry | pricing
More time has been allowed for representations to be made in the supply of groundworks investigation that’s currently being undertaken by the UK’s competition regulator.
The CMA (Compensation and Markets Authority) issued their statement of objections back in April 2019 and announced their provisional findings. The CMA confirmed that they suspect there are three suppliers who are engaging in behaviour that may distort competition in the market. Until final determinations are made, these are just allegations at this stage.
Notably, the CMA decided to continue with their investigations, so we assume that they must believe that there is some evidence to support their allegations.
Most favoured nation clauses in price comparison websites sector
First published by Author on November 05, 2019 in the following categories: Advertising Consumer Law Industry Pricing Selling Restrictions and tagged with advertising | cma | competition law | investigations | market study | pricing
As it has been a while since we looked at this one, here’s the latest in the investigation into alleged most favoured nation clauses in the price comparison website sector.
The investigation that’s being carried out by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is over the alleged use of such clauses for price comparison websites in relation to insurance products. The term “most favoured nation” originates from international trade agreements, whereby more favourable trade terms have been used between countries who favour each other more. In terms of competition law, it’s about contractual provisions whereby a seller may provide their best terms specifically to a particular buyer.
Such behaviour can restrict and distort competition, which is why it’s important for the CMA to look into it.
Precast concrete drainage products supply investigation: latest
First published by Author on October 31, 2019 in the following categories: Cartels Market Sharing Price Fixing and tagged with cartels | cma | competition law | construction industry | investigations | marktet sharing | price fixing | pricing
The CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) has issued an update in the investigation into the supply of precast concrete drainage products.
The civil investigation has been ongoing since 2016 and a number of actions and steps have been taken in the three years since it was commenced.
This month, an important development has been announced which involves fines in the tens of millions for companies who have reportedly been engaging in cartel behaviour for a number of years.
Regulators target fake and misleading online reviews
First published by Author on October 23, 2019 in the following categories: Advertising Consumer Law and tagged with advertising | cma | comparison sites | competition law | investigations | market abuse
The CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) is targeting fake and misleading online reviews because of the unfair impact it can have on competition within markets.
Nowadays, where most things can be bought and sold online, so can testimonials for products and services, and it’s this practice that the CMA’s aiming to stop. With how much influence the statements of other customers can have when it’s never been easier to shop around quickly, it seems that some companies are prepared to try and influence consumer choice with the power of fake reviews.
At the same time, it can be just as easy for someone to pay for bad reviews to hit one of their competitors 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
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.
Hydrocortisone tablets competition investigation
First published by Author on October 09, 2019 in the following categories: Healthcare Market Dominance Abuse and tagged with cma | competition law | investigations | market abuse | pricing
Here’s the latest in the hydrocortisone tablets competition investigation that’s being conducted by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
The history of this key study goes way back to October 2017 when the CMA started looking into alleged anti-competitive agreements and alleged abusive conduct. Exactly two years on, a great deal has happened as the CMA looks to ensure that the NHS and patients alike are not being ripped off by vastly wealthy pharmaceutical companies.
As we often say when the investigation involves the healthcare industry, this is a serious and important matter.
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.