In the News
OFT's revised guidance on competition investigations
The OFT has published the final version of its revised guidance on its investigation procedures in competition cases. The new model aims to ensure more robust decision-making, and increase transparency through enhancing oral hearings, publishing case opening notices and case-specific administrative timetables, and giving parties the opportunity to comment on proposed penalties. Click here.
Global Radio/Guardian Media Group Radio merger referred on competition grounds alone
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, on the advice of Ofcom, has decided not to refer the acquisition by Global Radio Holdings Limited of Guardian Media Group's radio stations to the Competition Commission on media plurality public interest grounds, on the basis that the acquisition would not be expected to operate against the public interest with regards to the sufficiency of media plurality. The OFT has however referred the case to the Competition Commission on competition grounds. Click here.
EU
Article 101/102
- Details of an appeal by Evonik Degussa challenging the European Commission's decision to reject a request for confidential treatment of parts of the decision on the bleaching chemicals cartel have been published in the Official Journal. Click here.
- The ECJ has dismissed an appeal by Total SA and Elf Aquitaine SA against the General Court's judgment dismissing their appeal against the European Commission's decision on the bleaching chemicals cartel. Click here.
Mergers
- The General Court has dismissed an application by Électricité de France (EDF) for interim measures in relation to the European Commission's decision refusing to postpone the deadline for fulfilling one of the commitments given in respect of the EDF/Segebel merger. Click here.
UK
OFT
- The OFT has published a supplementary consultation on its proposed revised guidance on applications for leniency and no-action in cartel cases. The consultation concerns the issue of waiver of privilege in criminal investigations. Click here.
The OFT has published case opening notices, including administrative timetables, for eight ongoing investigations into suspected breaches of the Competition Act 1998. Click here
- The OFT has published the full text of its decision on the anticipated joint venture between Vodafone Limited And Telefónica UK Limited. Click here.
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