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Roll-over contracts for online gaming investigation
Last April, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) initiated an investigation into roll-over contracts for online gaming.
The online gaming sector has grown exponentially in recent years, with at least one console a staple in most modern houses these days, I would assume. The monetisation of online gaming has led to more purchase options for the consumer, so the costs of being involved in online gaming is something that should be carefully considered.
In the same way that the CMA has been looking into contract factors for things like broadband and telecommunications, they’re also keen to know if the online gaming sector is being fair. As this is just the initial investigation stage, no assumptions are being made as to whether important laws are being broken or not.
Latest in the funeral directors market investigation
The funeral directors market investigation that’s being conducted by the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) remains ongoing.
In terms of the latest happenings and goings on, here’s a brief update based on information from the CMA about the progress of their important work in this sector.
It goes without saying that this is another important investigation for the competition regulator. People are in obvious need of funeral and crematorium services, and the need for such services will likely increase with population growth.
The musical instruments and equipment investigation
The musical instruments and equipment investigation is a matter that’s currently being conducted by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
The market for musical equipment and instruments has grown exponentially in recent decades. There’s now far greater access to instruments at more affordable prices, and the materials available online for people to learn to play are vast. So many youngsters want to be in bands, and it’s great that there’s such an appetite for musical creativity.
But the CMA has been looking into another side of the sector, and it’s one where foul play is being suspected.
More time allowed in the supply of groundworks investigation
More time has been allowed for representations to be made in the supply of groundworks investigation that’s currently being undertaken by the UK’s competition regulator.
The CMA (Compensation and Markets Authority) issued their statement of objections back in April 2019 and announced their provisional findings. The CMA confirmed that they suspect there are three suppliers who are engaging in behaviour that may distort competition in the market. Until final determinations are made, these are just allegations at this stage.
Notably, the CMA decided to continue with their investigations, so we assume that they must believe that there is some evidence to support their allegations.
Most favoured nation clauses in price comparison websites sector
As it has been a while since we looked at this one, here’s the latest in the investigation into alleged most favoured nation clauses in the price comparison website sector.
The investigation that’s being carried out by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is over the alleged use of such clauses for price comparison websites in relation to insurance products. The term “most favoured nation” originates from international trade agreements, whereby more favourable trade terms have been used between countries who favour each other more. In terms of competition law, it’s about contractual provisions whereby a seller may provide their best terms specifically to a particular buyer.
Such behaviour can restrict and distort competition, which is why it’s important for the CMA to look into it.
Privately funded healthcare services deadline looming
The deadline for continuing the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation into the privately funded healthcare services is looming.
The CMA has been looking into whether there’s any anti-competitive arrangements in the sector. If there are, competition may be stifled, and the consumer may be getting hit in the pocket.
When it comes to investigations that involve healthcare, they can often be the most important ones. They say that you can’t put a price on your health, but in reality, big medical companies and pharmaceutical giants literally do just that.
Anti-virus software sector investigation latest
Here’s the latest in the important anti-virus software sector investigation that’s being conducted by the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority).
It’s an important one, especially given how prevalent cybersecurity is these days. There have been so many hacks and attacks in recent times that all organisations – both public and private sector – must invest properly to ensure that they’re defended.
But are service providers in the sector offering their vital line of defence in terms that are deemed as fair, and in the spirit of healthy competition? That’s essentially what the CMA wants to find out.
CMA launch review into unarranged overdraft alerts
Following the Retail Banking Market Investigation Order 2017, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced a review into the unarranged overdraft alerts aspect of the order.
The decision for a review to be carried out by the CMA was outlined at the start of July. It involves potential changes that may come about as a result of the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) becoming involved with new rules set for the end of the year.
With banks having made significant amounts of money for a number of years from fees charged for overdrafts, this continues to be an important matter for regulators to keep an eye on.
Privately funded healthcare competition investigation
The privately funded healthcare competition investigation was initiated by the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) last month.
At this stage, it’s only an initial investigation, and as the CMA often confirm, there are no assumptions to be made at this moment in time. What we do know is that a decision as to whether the investigation will continue or not is set to be made in the next couple of months.
As more and more services are outsourced to the private sector in relation to healthcare, this could be a significant investigation.
Supply of precast concrete drainage investigation update
Here’s the latest in the investigation into the suspected cartel arrangements in the supply of precast concrete drainage sector.
The investigation being conducted by the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) was launched way back in 2016. Since then, a number of steps have been taken, and admissions of participating in cartel behaviour have been made at the end of 2018.
The final penalty amounts have yet to be concluded and issued, but based on the most recent update from the CMA, we expect to be seeing more updates soon.