In the News

European Commission opens formal investigation in respect of MasterCard

The European Commission has opened formal proceedings to investigate suspected breaches of Article 101 TFEU by MasterCard, following concerns that some of MasterCard's inter-bank fees and related practices with regard to payment cards may be anti-competitive. In particular, it will investigate MasterCard's inter-bank fees in respect of payments made by cardholders from non-EEA countries, its rules on "cross-border acquiring" and its related business rules or practices. Click here.

EU

Articles 101 and 102

  • Details of an appeal by Panasonic Corp and MT Picture Display Co. Ltd against the European Commission's decision fining them for participation in the TV and computer monitor tubes cartels have been published in the Official Journal. Click here.
  • Details of an appeal lodged by Nexans against a General Court judgment that partially upheld the Commission decision relating to unannounced inspections in the electrical cables sector have been published in the Official Journal. Click here.
  • Details of an action brought by Aer Lingus to challenge a decision taken under the commitments given by International Consolidated Airlines Group as a condition of the European Commission's approval of its acquisition of British Midlands Limited have been published in the Official Journal. Click here.

UK

Competition Appeal Tribunal

  • The CAT has made an order making arrangements for payment of damages, consequent to its judgment on the action by Albion Water to claim damages from Dŵr Cymru for losses resulting from its abuse of dominance. Click here.

Competition Commission

  • The CC has published the final version of its guidelines for market investigations. Click here.
  • The CC has published the final version of revised guidance on disclosure of information in merger inquiries and market investigations, and reviews of undertakings and orders. Click here.

OFT

  • The OFT has launched a formal investigation into a suspected breach of competition law in relation to the supply of healthcare products. Click here.
  • The OFT has accepted hold separate undertakings from GEG Holdings Limited and Isleburn Limited in relation to the completed acquisition by Isleburn Limited of the business of Dorchester 948 Limited and certain related assets from Port Services (Invergordon) Group. Click here
  • The OFT has decided to refer the completed acquisition by Imerys Minerals Limited of the kaolin business of Goonvean Limited to the Competition Commission, having found that the merger has created a new monopoly in the supply of kaolin for paper filler and tableware products to UK customers. In addition, it has reduced the number of companies supplying kaolin for specialty applications in the UK from three to two. Click here.

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