Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 12 MAY 2015

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do. Or Is It…?

Wedlake Bell LLP
Wedlake Bell LLP
Contributor
Wedlake Bell LLP

Wedlake Bell LLP

Wedlake Bell provides clients with a full package of legal services delivering commercial and...

View firm profile
Explore more from Wedlake Bell LLP

The European Parliament's resolution at the end of November 2014 suggesting a possible break-up of Google has prompted a flurry of commentaries by political pundits.

European UnionAntitrust/Competition Law
Jonathan Cornthwaite
Jonathan Cornthwaite

The European Parliament's resolution at the end of November 2014 suggesting a possible break-up of Google has prompted a flurry of commentaries by political pundits. But the legal background to this remarkable development also deserves analysis. To what extent do EU institutions have the power to break up business conglomerates? And how has the EU's anti-trust investigation into Google helped to fuel the resolution? This article discusses these issues, and will draw out from them some lessons that are important for any US business wary of the long reach of EU competition law.

What's going on?

"GOOGLE SHOULD BE BROKEN UP, SAYS EUROPEAN MP'S"..."EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT VOTES YES ON "GOOGLE BREAK-UP" MOTION".  The headlines that reported the Parliament's vote were (as headlines often are) potentially misleading, so it is worth briefly rehearsing what actually happened, for all is not necessarily as it seems in the wacky world of EU politics.

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

View source

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

Broadcom/VMware: EU General Court Again Weighs In Favour Of Commission’s Broad Information Gathering Powers

The European Commission's broad information-gathering powers under EU competition law have been reinforced by the General Court's dismissal of Broadcom's challenge to document production requests. The case raises critical questions about the extent to which the Commission can compel production of documents held overseas that are subject to legal professional privilege in other jurisdictions, particularly communications with non-EU qualified external counsel.
European UnionAntitrust/Competition Law
Macfarlanes LLP
Macfarlanes LLP
Article

UK Competition And Markets Authority Publishes Final Revised Merger Efficiencies Guidance

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority has published revised guidance on assessing merger efficiencies, marking a significant shift toward greater receptivity to efficiency-based arguments in merger reviews. The new provisions introduce more flexible evidentiary standards, recognize the potential role of behavioral remedies in securing efficiencies, and encourage parties to advance efficiency claims earlier in the review process without implying acceptance of competitive concerns.
United KingdomAntitrust/Competition Law
Baker Botts L.L.P.
Baker Botts L.L.P.
Article

A Precedent For The Platform Age: The Booking/eTraveli Judgment And Its Implications For Digital M&A

The European General Court has upheld the Commission's prohibition of Booking's acquisition of eTraveli Group, endorsing a novel 'ecosystem' theory of harm that allows intervention even where market share increases are minimal. This landmark ruling significantly expands the Commission's ability to challenge acquisitions by dominant firms in digital markets, establishing that transactions which merely perpetuate existing low levels of competition can constitute significant impediments to effective
United KingdomAntitrust/Competition Law
Slaughter and May
Slaughter and May
Article

Few Surprises, As The CMA Finalises Its Revised Approach To Merger Efficiencies

The UK Competition and Markets Authority has formalised its new approach to assessing efficiency arguments in merger control cases, marking a significant shift toward a more holistic evaluation framework. This updated guidance, which emerged from the CMA's 4Ps initiative, introduces the concept of Rivalry-Enhancing Efficiencies and establishes clearer pathways for merging parties to demonstrate competitive benefits.
United KingdomAntitrust/Competition Law
Macfarlanes LLP
Macfarlanes LLP
Article

UK FCA Accepts Novel Commitments Package To Resolve Antitrust Investigation Into Commodity Futures Traders

The UK Financial Conduct Authority has accepted binding commitments from 11 day traders following an investigation into suspected exchange of competitively sensitive information and coordination of trading strategies in commodity futures markets. The decision highlights critical compliance priorities for firms operating trading arcades and shared trading infrastructure, while leaving key legal questions deliberately unanswered. What does this enforcement action signal about the FCA's approach to antitrust e
GlobalAntitrust/Competition Law
A&O Shearman
A&O Shearman
Article

Getting Your House In Order: A Private Client Checklist For September

With significant inheritance tax changes for pensions taking effect in April 2027, this comprehensive guide examines five essential areas of estate planning that families should review this autumn. From pension arrangements and regular gifting strategies to education funding, lasting powers of attorney, and digital asset management, discover practical steps to ensure your financial affairs remain aligned with your objectives and compliant with evolving tax legislation.
United KingdomWealth Management
Wedlake Bell LLP
Wedlake Bell LLP
Article

Employment Rights Act 2025: Key Changes For Employers This October

October 2026 brings significant employment law reforms under the Employment Rights Act 2025, including extended tribunal time limits, enhanced trade union rights, and strengthened sexual harassment protections. Employers must prepare for new obligations around third-party harassment liability and workplace access for union representatives. Understanding these changes is crucial for updating policies and managing compliance risks.
United KingdomEmployment and HR
Wedlake Bell LLP
Wedlake Bell LLP
Article

Here Comes The Sun And I Say “it’s Not Alright”

As extreme weather events intensify and become more frequent, construction projects face growing uncertainty over what constitutes "exceptionally adverse weather" under standard contracts like the JCT Design and Build Contract 2024. This analysis examines how weather-related delays are assessed, when extensions of time may be granted, and why parties should consider updating contractual thresholds to reflect evolving climate patterns and reduce the risk of costly disputes.
United KingdomReal Estate and Construction
Wedlake Bell LLP
Wedlake Bell LLP