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Higher education consumer protection review
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.
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.
Barchester consumer protection case
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is taking action in the Barchester consumer protection case under the pretence that consumer laws may have been broken.
The wider action surrounding care homes in the UK has been going on for over two years now, and we recently reported about the court action launched against Care UK.
Now, the CMA has sent a letter before action to Barchester Healthcare Limited, Barchester Healthcare Homes Limited, Grove Limited and Barchester Holdco (Jersey) Limited; known altogether as ‘Barchester’. It’s alleged that certain fees that have been charged contravene consumer protection laws.
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.
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.
Investment consultants investigation concludes
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has issued a final order in the investment consultants investigation that’s been ongoing since 2017.
The final step in the reforms that the CMA has been pushing forward has been put in place with the aim or improving the sector on the whole. Clearer information is now to be provided for customers who can enjoy better knowledge about the value for money they can get. There are also greater incentives for pension scheme trustees to shop around for better deals.
The aim, of course, is to ensure that consumers can get best value for their money. The order made is legally-binding, and is designed to ensure that pension trustees make better decisions for the retirement assets they manage.
Groundworks supplier investigation: the latest
There’s an ongoing groundworks supplier investigation being conducted by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), so here’s the latest.
The investigation surrounds suspicions of anti-competitive behaviour in the sector for the supply of groundworks products to the construction industry. The CMA’s investigation is looking into whether any of the key suppliers in the market are breaching important competition laws. If they are found to be acting unethically, they could face substantial fines.
The investigation has been going on for some time now, and a great deal of evidence has been collected and reviewed so far.
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.