CMA launches probe into Microsoft $16bn Nuance deal on antitrust concerns December 13, 2021 Britain’s competition watchdog has launched an investigation into Microsoft Corp’s $16bn acquisition of artificial intelligence and speech technology firm Nuance Communications on antitrust concerns. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) this morning said it was launching the probe to establish whether the deal would “result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or [...]
Seedrs boss hits out at regulators for stifling growth April 6, 2022 The boss of crowdfunding firm Seedrs has hit out at UK regulators today claiming they are stifling the potential of UK startups.
Frasers Group approaches JD Sports to buy Footasylum after CMA setback December 26, 2021 Mike Ashley, chairman of Frasers Group (Fraser), has offered to buy retail chain Footasylum from JD Sports (JD) executive chairman Peter Cowgill, according to The Sunday Times.
Gucci plots metaverse as it snaps up virtual real estate in The Sandbox February 10, 2022 Luxury fashion house Gucci is launching into virtual reality with plans to build its own metaverse on digital real estate platform The Sandbox
CMA to open EV charging competition on motorways November 17, 2021 The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is set to open up a competition for electric vehicle charging on motorways. Citing the necessity for drivers to have “a greater choice of chargepoints where they need them”, the CMA has set established for competing firms to offer legally-binding assurances, also known as commitments. For its part, [...]
PCR test firm for travel being investigated over results, refunds and service September 3, 2021 One of the UK’s largest and cheapest PCR test companies focussed on travel is under investigation by the competition watchdog over several service failings. Expert Medicals faces allegations that tests and results were not provided in a timely manner, or at all in some cases, bosses failed to respond to complaints and refunds were not [...]
Going once, going twice: LiveAuctioneers sold to London’s ATG for $500m October 1, 2021 London-based Auction Technology Group (ATG) has snapped up the holding company of online auction business LiveAuctioneers for a dear $500m. The acquisition, for Platinum Parent, involves both cash and the issue of new shares after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) gave the deal the green light on Wednesday, The deal also features an earnout [...]
EG Group to divest some petrol filling stations after watchdog concerns October 5, 2021 Petrol station forecourt operator EG Group has announced it will divest 27 petrol filling stations. The group – owned by the billionaire Issa brothers – said it had entered into a binding agreement to divest more than two dozen stations across the country to Park Garage Group. It comes after the competition watchdog expressed concerns [...]
£222m takeover of Hawthorn pubs by Admiral Taverns faces competition probe September 28, 2021 The UK competition regulator said this afternoon it is leaning towards launching a probe into Admiral Taverns’ £222m takeover of the Hawthorn pub business. Admiral sealed a deal to buy the pub estate, which covers 674 venues across the UK, from the retail property investor NewRiver, in July. The move will strengthen Admiral’s position as [...]
CMA slaps pharma firms with £35m fine for illegal anti-nausea tablet arrangement February 3, 2022 Four pharmaceutical firms have been hit with an eye-watering £35m fine for an illegal arrangement in the supply of prescription NHS tablets.