In the News
The Competition Commission has published its provisional findings report on the local bus market in the UK. It has provisionally concluded that there are features of the markets for local bus services and tendered bus services that restrict, prevent or distort competition and that measures need to be taken to open up more bus markets across the country. Click here.
The European Commission has opened an in-depth Phase II investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the planned acquisition of MWM Holding GmbH of Germany by Caterpillar Inc. of the US. Both companies are active in the commercialisation of reciprocating engine generator sets (gensets), which are used for power generation, and the Commission's initial market investigation indicated potential competition concerns with respect to gas-fuelled gensets. Click here.
Following a Phase II investigation, the European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the creation of a joint venture between the Brazilian groups Votorantim and Fischer, combining their respective activities in the orange juice sector. Although the merger will create the world's largest wholesale supplier of orange juice, the Commission concluded that there would remain sufficient competition from a number of companies in Europe and worldwide. Click here.
EU
European Courts
- Details have been published of an appeal by E.ON Energie against a judgment of the General Court that upheld a European Commission decision to fine the company for breaking a seal affixed during the course of a Commission investigation. Click here.
- The General Court has refused an application by Canonical Ltd for leave to intervene in the appeal by Monty Program AB against the European Commission's decision to approve the acquisition by Oracle Corporation of Sun Microsystems. Click here.
European Commission
Cecilio Madero Villarejo has been appointed Deputy Director-General for Antitrust in DG Competition. Mr Madero Villarejo, who is Spanish, is currently Director for Information, Communication and Media in DG Competition.
Also appointed to a Deputy Director-General post in DG Competition is Mr Bernd Langeheine. A German national, he will be responsible for mergers. Mr Langeheine is currently the Director for e-Communications Policy in the Information Society and Media DG. Click here.
Article 101
- The European Commission has published in the Official Journal a summary of its decision of 23 June 2010 to re-adopt its decision to fine Bolloré for its participation in the carbonless paper cartel. Click here.
Mergers – Cleared
- Caterpillar/Bucyrus. Click here.
Speeches
- Cecilio Madero Villarejo, Deputy Director General for Antitrust in DG Competition, on the issues facing competition authorities across different jurisdictions. Click here.
- Cecilio Madero Villarejo on whether criminal sanctions for breach of competition law should be introduced into the EU system. Click here.
UK
Competition Commission
- Business Secretary Vince Cable has announced the appointment of Roger Witcomb as Chair of the Competition Commission on an interim basis for a term of two years. Mr Witcomb will succeed current Chair Peter Freeman, whose term ends on 6 May 2011. Click here.
OFT
- The OFT is conducting an investigation into suspected breaches of competition law in the veterinary diagnostics sector. Click here.
- The OFT has published an independent evaluation of its 2005 market study into care homes for older people. Click here.
- The OFT has published an externally commissioned economic discussion paper, examining the implications of consumer behavioural biases for firm's decisions and their potential impact on competition. Click here.
Other
The Electronic Communications and Wireless Telegraphy Regulations 2011 have been published. These implement Directive 2009/140, which amends the Framework Directive (Directive 2002/21), the Access Directive (Directive 2002/19) and the Authorisation Directive (Directive 2002/20). Click here.
The Office of Rail Regulation has published for consultation the conclusions of its market study into access to rail freight sites. Click here.
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