New tech regulation mustn’t be allowed to stifle innovation June 3, 2021 There is scarcely any market that could not be described as digital in 2021. In ten years time, the phrase ‘digital market’ will be, effectively, redundant. We should be concerned, then, by the creation of a powerful new regulator with a remit to cover all ‘digital markets’. Read more: UK says any global tax deal [...]
Compare the Market handed £17.9m fine by competition regulator November 19, 2020 Price comparison website Compare the Market has been stung with a £17.9m fine from the regulator after breaching competition law. An investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) concluded that the website had prevented home insurers from listing lower prices on rival comparison sites between December 2015 and December 2017. Compare the Market had [...]
UK competition watchdog launches probe into O2-Virgin Media merger November 19, 2020 The UK competition watchdog has opened an investigation into the planned £31bn mega-merger between O2 and Virgin Media after the deal was referred from the EU. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) last month requested to take over the case, arguing the potential impact on competition would primarily affect the UK market. The watchdog has [...]
Sorry Zuckerberg: UK competition watchdog gets green light for majority of Meta Giphy merger probe June 14, 2022 The Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) has backed the majority of the UK competition watchdog's probe into Meta's merger with Giphy, causing a mighty blow for the Facebook owner's team.
MPs call for probe into record labels amid music streaming overhaul July 15, 2021 MPs have urged regulators to probe major UK record labels and Youtube as part of a radical overhaul of the music streaming market aimed at tackling “pitiful returns” for artists. In an eagerly-awaiting report published today, the culture select committee called for comprehensive reform to existing legislation as well as new regulations to “reset” the [...]
UK competition watchdog opens EU copycat investigation into Amazon July 6, 2022 The UK competition watchdog launched an investigation into whether Amazon has a dominant market position this morning and if it was abusing this power. The Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) probe will hinge on whether the US giant is giving an unfair advantage to its own retail business or sellers, compared to other third-party sellers [...]
Outgoing CMA chief still has ‘anxiety’ about the path of competition regulator July 28, 2022 Outgoing chief of the competition watchdog Andrea Coscelli has said he still has “anxiety” about the UK’s regulatory position.
Lastminute.com will pay out £7m in refunds for cancelled holidays December 1, 2020 Holiday firm Lastminute.com has committed to paying out £7m in refunds to customers who had their trips cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) this morning revealed that over 9,000 people were currently awaiting payouts from the booking site. Lastminute.com has now agreed to pay these out as soon as [...]
Watchdog flags competition concerns for Microsoft and Call of Duty maker Activision Blizzard’s £50bn deal September 1, 2022 Regulators have flagged competition concerns over Microsoft’s $68.7bn acquisition of Call of Duty maker Activision Blizzard, giving the US giants until next week to provide evidence.
Grand Designs’ Kevin McCloud: Big builders are artificially driving up house prices for profit April 7, 2024 Most of the issues in the market can be traced back to the big builders that dominate the sector, TV presenter Kevin McCloud, told City A.M.