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fragrances and fragrance ingredients

Launched in March 2023, the CMA’s probe into suspected anti-competitive conduct in the supply of fragrances and fragrance ingredients underscores the regulator’s commitment to fostering fair competition.

In the ever-evolving world of consumer goods, the fragrance industry plays a pivotal role in enhancing everyday products like perfumes, soaps, and cleaning supplies. However, recent developments from the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) have cast a spotlight on potential misconduct within this niche.

As experts at The Competition Lawyers, we break down this high-stakes investigation to help businesses and stakeholders navigate its implications.

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SME Banking Undertakings

Insights from The Competition Lawyers: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has recently issued a provisional decision that could reshape how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) interact with major banks in the UK. This update centres on the ongoing review of the SME Banking Undertakings, originally established in 2002 to promote fair competition in business banking.

As competition law specialists at The Competition Lawyers, we break down the essentials of this development, its historical context, and what lies ahead for businesses navigating these changes.

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supply of waste management services

In the evolving landscape of UK competition law, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into suspected anti-competitive practices within the supply of waste management services.

This probe, which could have significant implications for businesses and consumers alike, highlights potential infringements under Chapter I of the Competition Act 1998. If you have been impacted by higher costs or restricted choices in this sector, you may now understand why that might have been the case.

At The Competition Lawyers, we specialise in competition law and assess these kinds of anti-competitive conduct from an expert perspective, especially when the impact can be substantial.

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Water PR24 price redeterminations

This investigation, known as the Water PR24 price redeterminations, is a critical regulatory step to ensure fair pricing and investment in the UK water sector from the CMA.

In started in March 2025 when Ofwat referred the 2024 Price Review (PR24) final determinations for five water companies—Anglian Water, Northumbrian Water, South East Water, Southern Water, and Wessex Water—to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) for redetermination. At The Competition Lawyers, we are here to break down this complex issue, explain its implications, and highlight how it could affect consumers and businesses.

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intravenous iron treatments

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into Vifor Pharma for suspected anti-competitive conduct in the market for intravenous iron treatments.

These treatments can be critical for patients with iron deficiency anaemia who cannot tolerate or absorb oral iron supplements. This case brings to light the broader issue of maintaining competitive practices in pharmaceutical markets to ensure fair pricing, innovation, and access for patients.

At The Competition Lawyers, we understand how anti-competitive conduct can disrupt markets and harm consumers. In this article, we explore the investigation, its potential implications for healthcare providers and patients, and how businesses can address unfair practices that occur.

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Emma Group consumer protection case

The Emma Group consumer protection case has drawn significant attention due to its potential impact on both businesses and consumers.

This investigation, led by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), addresses allegations of misleading online sales practices, focusing on transparency, compliance, and the protection of consumer rights.

Here is a breakdown of the case, its implications, and what affected consumers can consider.

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loyalty pricing in the groceries sector

In this article, we delve into the CMA’s investigation into loyalty pricing in the groceries sector, and explain how this practice might affect you.

In the groceries sector, loyalty pricing has become a critical issue for both consumers and retailers. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has been investigating practices related to potential loyalty pricing, where long-standing customers may be charged higher prices compared to new customers.

This type of pricing has raised concerns about fairness, transparency, and competition within the sector. If you feel that you have been unfairly impacted by such practices, you may now understand why. At The Competition Lawyers, we are committed to helping consumers navigate complex legal issues.

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Simba Sleep Limited consumer protection case

The recent Simba Sleep Limited consumer protection case has perhaps caught significant attention, highlighting the importance of fair treatment and transparency in consumer transactions.

The matter, brought forward by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), underlines the necessity for businesses to adhere strictly to consumer protection laws, ensuring that customers receive what they are promised without any potentially misleading terms or conditions.

As always, this is one to keep a very close eye on in our view.

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Education Software Solutions Limited

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is currently investigating the conduct of Education Software Solutions Limited, raising significant concerns within the educational software market.

This article, presented by The Competition Lawyers, aims to inform you about the investigation, its potential implications, and your rights as a consumer or stakeholder.

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veterinary services for household pets

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has initiated a review of the veterinary services for household pets.

This move aims to ensure that pet owners receive fair, transparent, and competitive services for their beloved animals. At The Competition Lawyers, we understand the importance of this review and are here to break down its key aspects and implications for pet owners.

The CMA reviews that take place are usually focused on ensuring compliance with key competition law.

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