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Funerals market investigation latest
Here’s the latest in the ongoing funerals market investigation that’s being conducted by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
The market study was launched last year in June 2018. Research was commissioned to better understand the experiences and decision-making processes of people who had engaged the services of a funeral director. A number of businesses in the market responded after the launch of the market study and made comments in relation to the information gathering exercise that the CMA is undertaking.
With this being a market that will (likely) always be there, it’s an important one when it comes to making sure that competition is healthy in the sector.
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.
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.