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Anti-competitive agreements for pharmaceutical drugs: statement of objections issued
In the latest investigation into suspected anti-competitive agreements for pharmaceutical drugs, a statement of objections has been issued by the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority).
The statement was issued last month and relates to a number of pharmaceutical companies who stand accused of participating in anti-competitive behaviour. Whether it’s a case of formal agreements in place, or concerted practices, the issue surrounds the supply of 50mg and 100mg nitrofurantoin capsules in the UK.
This investigation by the CMA into the practices of pharmaceutical firms is one of many that have been ongoing for a number of years. They’re one of the most important areas the CMA needs to safeguard.
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.
Online platforms and digital advertising market study launched
This month, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has confirmed that a market study has been launched into online platforms and digital advertising.
The CMA has cited their duty to protect consumers in what is a huge and growing digital economy. They want to ensure there’s healthy competition, and ensure that big players in the market are not abusing their powers for their own advantage.
Invitations for comment have been issued with a deadline for responses set for the end of this month.
The ongoing Viagogo court case between the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and the secondary ticketing website is about to step up.
The CMA are reportedly moving ahead with contempt of court proceedings on the basis that they say Viagogo is still failing to adhere to a court order obtained earlier this year.
This is huge news, and it’s alarming to hear that the CMA considers that the ticketing resellers are still failing to comply with a court order. Following a market sector review, a number of firms changed their behaviours, but it appears that Viagogo isn’t fully complying.
CMA anti-virus software investigation latest
The CMA anti-virus software investigation was launched back in December 2018, and the consumer regulator has been looking into whether renewal practices are legally compliant.
This investigation was a part of the wider loyalty penalty super complaint. With both personal and business reliance on anti-virus software prevalent, this is a huge market sector where there’s a need to ensure that consumer law is always being adhered to.
In the most recent update, the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) has provided a little more insight into what they’re focusing on as part of their market review.
Office design and fit-out cartel leads to director disqualifications
The CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) has secured the disqualification of a number of directors in the aftermath of the fines issued in the office design and fit-out cartel investigation.
In April 2019, fines in the sum of £7m were issued to a number of companies who had been found guilty of breaking vital competition laws. For over a decade, the guilty companies had been engaging in cover bidding, where they were able to artificially inflate the prices of at least 14 contracts. This kind of behaviour can also reduce the quality of services on offer for the consumer as well.
Now, the CMA has taken further action by securing disqualifications for a number of directors who were involved in the cartel activity.
Provisional finding in the pharmaceuticals competition investigation
There has been a provisional finding in the pharmaceuticals competition investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) who have been looking into companies for quite some time.
It has been alleged that anti-competitive agreements are in place between four firms in the sector, and the calculated costs to the NHS is terrifying. If the provisional finding is formalised, huge fines could be issued to the alleged offenders involved in the investigation.
The costs of anti-competitive arrangements in the pharmaceutical industry often fall on the NHS, and therefore on the taxpayer, which is why these kinds of investigations are incredibly important.
Updates in the funeral market investigation
There has been a couple of updates in the ongoing funeral market investigation being carried out by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in the UK.
We’ve been tracking this investigation for quite some time, and it’s one of particular importance given the sector and subject. There will always be a market for these kinds of services, and the market will likely continue to grow. As such, any concerns with regards to competition law is a matter that the CMA must look into in detail.
Since our previous article on the investigation, there has been a couple of updates.
Provisional finding in the CMA roofing materials investigation
There’s been a provisional finding in the CMA roofing materials investigation that was launched in the summer of 2017, with three major suppliers alleged to be in a cartel.
The CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) believes that the three alleged cartel companies have been allocating customers, as well as information sharing and colluding on price. This type of behaviour usually only leads to one thing: bigger profits for the companies, and higher costs for the consumer.
An allegation of a cartel finding is incredibly serious, and the companies at the heart of this investigation could be issued significant fines that can run into the millions.