Competition

From plc to SME, corporates to charities and the third sector, competition law applies to organisations which offer goods and services.

A significant part of the UK law has been based on EU legislation but the key elements of competition law are largely unaffected by Brexit. Compliance is as important as ever. That means understanding the law surrounding anti-competitive agreements (such as bid-rigging and market sharing agreements) and abuse of dominance (market power).

UK merger control has always been ‘standalone’ and comes into play in JVs and acquisitions as well as ‘true’ mergers.

In the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and the Competition Appeal Tribunal, the UK has a well-established enforcement and judicial framework. The CMA has shown that it is prepared to tackle any sector from pharmaceuticals to musical instruments, ophthalmologists to hand sanitisers and its remit looks only set to expand. Subsidy control (the new EU state aid equivalent) is also part of the ‘competition tree’ and the UK Government approach to such essential funding is a work in progress – that means experienced advice. Read more on our state aid and subsidy control expertise.

How we help

Perhaps a competitor is threatening to complain to the CMA and you are unsure what to do. We can help you refute unfounded claims (and make sound ones if you’re being treated unfairly). It might be that good corporate governance means that training is required and you need a compliance policy. Or you might be active in a sector which is caught up in a market investigation and the CMA is requiring your co-operation.

If you’re considering an acquisition, particularly of a competitor, we can also guide you through UK merger control.

We will help you navigate the complexities in a jargon-free, constructive manner so you can make the best decisions. If you’re considering an acquisition, particularly of a competitor, we can also guide you through UK merger control.

 

Meet our team