Tag: investigations

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.

Precast concrete drainage products supply investigation: latest

The CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) has issued an update in the investigation into the supply of precast concrete drainage products.

The civil investigation has been ongoing since 2016 and a number of actions and steps have been taken in the three years since it was commenced.

This month, an important development has been announced which involves fines in the tens of millions for companies who have reportedly been engaging in cartel behaviour for a number of years.

Regulators target fake and misleading online reviews

The CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) is targeting fake and misleading online reviews because of the unfair impact it can have on competition within markets.

Nowadays, where most things can be bought and sold online, so can testimonials for products and services, and it’s this practice that the CMA’s aiming to stop. With how much influence the statements of other customers can have when it’s never been easier to shop around quickly, it seems that some companies are prepared to try and influence consumer choice with the power of fake reviews.

At the same time, it can be just as easy for someone to pay for bad reviews to hit one of their competitors as well.

Supply of construction services competition investigation

First published by Author on October 17, 2019 in the following categories: Investigations Latest and tagged with cma | competition law | construction industry | investigations

construction companies anti-competitive behaviour

The investigation started by the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) earlier this year into the supply of construction services is now set to proceed.

The decision looks to have been made after an initial information gathering exercise that has been carried out since March this year.

Given the scale of this industry, it’s another important when it comes to ensuring that there’s healthy competition in place that allows consumers to pay fair prices. Not only is competition important for keeping prices down, but it also allows players in the market to innovate in terms of efficiency and lowering costs for both products and services alike.

This can all benefit the consumer.

Hydrocortisone tablets competition investigation

First published by Author on October 09, 2019 in the following categories: Healthcare Market Dominance Abuse and tagged with cma | competition law | investigations | market abuse | pricing

Here’s the latest in the hydrocortisone tablets competition investigation that’s being conducted by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

The history of this key study goes way back to October 2017 when the CMA started looking into alleged anti-competitive agreements and alleged abusive conduct. Exactly two years on, a great deal has happened as the CMA looks to ensure that the NHS and patients alike are not being ripped off by vastly wealthy pharmaceutical companies.

As we often say when the investigation involves the healthcare industry, this is a serious and important matter.

Privately funded healthcare services deadline looming

First published by Author on September 26, 2019 in the following categories: Healthcare Industry Latest and tagged with cma | competition law | investigations

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.

Funerals market investigation latest

First published by Author on September 19, 2019 in the following categories: Investigations and tagged with cma | competition law | funerals market | investigations

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

First published by Author on September 12, 2019 in the following categories: Industry Pricing and tagged with cma | competition law | investigations | pricing

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.

Loyalty penalty investigation: the latest

First published by Author on September 04, 2019 in the following categories: Investigations Loyalty Penalties Pricing and tagged with cma | incentives | investigations | loyalty penalties | pricing

There has been an update about some of the positive steps that have been taken in the wake of the huge loyalty penalty investigation, often referred to as a “super complaint”.

A “super complaint” is a complaint that’s usually submitted by a consumer body on behalf of a number of people who have the same complaint against sometimes several companies, and sometimes across more than one sector. The loyalty penalty super complaint stemmed from the Citizens Advice Bureau who had raised concerns over customers paying more for goods and services for sticking with the same suppliers.

This one has covered notable areas that include insurance, mortgages, bank accounts, broadband services and mobile services.

Higher education consumer protection review

First published by Author on August 29, 2019 in the following categories: Education and tagged with cma | investigations

The higher education consumer protection review was opened way back in May 2014, and a final advice was published by the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) in March 2015.

However, when it comes to the compliance reviews that have been going on thereafter, and the undertakings from the relevant universities, the watchful eye of the CMA remains fixed on the sector.

The case is classed as a closed case, but there has been a recent development that forms as part of the ongoing commitments to ensure enforcement is in place.