IN THE NEWS
European Commission opens Phase II investigation into proposed acquisition of TNT Express by UPS
The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation into the proposed acquisition of TNT Express by UPS. The Commission's preliminary investigation indicated potential competition concerns in the markets for small parcel delivery services, in particular international express services, in numerous Member States. Click here.
European Commission sends Statement of Objections to suspected participants in a cartel for the supply of computer CD and DVD drives
The European Commission has informed thirteen companies supplying optical disk drives in the EEA of its preliminary view that they may have infringed Article 101 by participating in a worldwide cartel. Optical disk drives read or write data on CDs and DVDs. The Commission has concerns that the suppliers may have coordinated their bidding behaviour in tenders organised by two major original equipment manufacturers for optical disk drives used in personal computers (desktops and notebooks) and in servers. Click here.
EU
Mergers
- The European Commission has cleared the proposed acquisition of NDS Group Limited, which provides technology and software to the pay-TV sector, by the internet company Cisco Systems, Inc. The Commission's investigation confirmed that the merged entity would continue to face competition from a number of strong competitors and that customers, namely pay-TV providers, would continue to have alternative suppliers in all markets concerned. Click here.
UK
Competition Commission
- The Competition Commission has published its issues statement as part of its investigation into the acquisition by Epwin Holdings Ltd of Latium Building Products Holding Limited, Building Plastics Holding Limited and CET Processing Limited. Click here.
OFT
- The Enterprise Act 2002 (Merger Fees) (Amendment and Revocation) Order 2012 has been published. This Order increases the OFT's merger fees as from 1 October 2012. The minimum fee will increase from £30,000 to £40,000; and there will be a new maximum fee of £160,000 where the UK turnover of the target business exceeds £120 million. Click here.
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