IN THE NEWS
OFT finds breach of the Chapter I prohibition in mobility scooters case
The OFT has found that Roma Medical Aids Limited (a manufacturer of mobility scooters) and seven of its online retailers have infringed the Chapter I prohibition of the Competition Act, having entered into agreements which prevented UK-wide online retailers from selling and advertising the prices of Roma mobility scooters online. Since the parties' turnovers fall within the thresholds for immunity from fines for "small agreements", fines have not been imposed, however, the parties have been instructed to end the arrangements. Click here.
Commission grants conditional approval to merger between American Airlines and US Airways
The European Commission has granted conditional approval to the proposed merger between US Airways and AMR Corporation, the parent company of American Airlines. Following competition concerns on the London-Philadelphia route, where the merged entity would have a monopoly in non-stop services, the parties have committed to releasing one daily slot pair at London Heathrow. Further commitments, aimed at inducing entry on the London-Philadelphia route, will be given by the parties. Click here
EU
European Commission
- The European Commission has published a summary of its decision to grant conditional approval to the acquisition by Universal Music Group of EMI's recorded music business, in the Official Journal. Click here.
UK
Competition Commission
- The CC has published working papers on issues that it has considered during its market investigation into private motor insurance. Click here.
Ofcom
- Ofcom has issued an update on its investigation into the alleged abuse of dominance in the wholesale supply of Sky Sports 1 and 2 by British Sky Broadcasting Group. The investigation stemmed from a complaint by BT, alleging that Sky was abusing its dominant position in relation to the wholesale supply of Sky Sports channels. Click here.
- Ofcom has published its Communications Market Report 2013, containing details of Ofcom's research on key developments in the communications sector over the course of the last year. Click here.
DCMS
- DCMS has published the government's response to a technical consultation on mobile connectivity in England. Click here.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
