Competition law and land agreements: as safe as houses?

Are your land agreements facing an uncertain future?

General election manifestos and supermarket regulation - a 'blow' for democracy?

Last week, the Labour Party, Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats rolled out their manifestos ahead of the general election on 6 May 2010.

Each manifesto alludes to the GSCOP which came into force on 4 February 2010 through The Groceries (Supply Chain Practices) Market Investigation Order 2009.

Consultation on supermarket regulator

The Groceries (Supply Chain Practices Market Investigation) Order 2009 (GSCOP) came into effect on 4 February 2010. The Order requires certain supermarkets to have written terms with the majority of their suppliers of goods for resale in place.

Terms to be imposed into supplier:retailer grocery contracts

On 4 February 2010 the Groceries (Supply Chain Practices Market Investigation) Order 2009 (the Order) comes into effect.

Getting tough on tendering. The impact of the new Remedies Directive

A radical overhaul of the remedies available under the existing public procurement regime came into force yesterday in the form of the Public Contracts (Amendments) Regulations 2009 (SI2009/2992) which implement the Remedies Directive.

Response from Wragge & Co LLP to the Consultation on the Review of the Vertical Restraints Block Exemption Regulation and Guidelines

Wragge & Co has provided comments on the European Commission's consultation on the draft vertical restraints block exemption and draft guidelines on supply and distribution agreements.

End of the road for Norris - a cautionary tale for salacious executives

Ian Norris, former CEO of Morgan Crucible, has failed in his latest attempt to avoid extradition to the US and faces spending the rest of his retirement at President Obama's pleasure.

A new coalition for competition?

As the European Commission announced today its largest-ever fine of €1.06 billion on chip maker Intel Corporation, the US is gearing up to take a more aggressive tack towards redressing monopolistic practices.

Shoots of growth - for a more benign merger regime - or a false dawn?

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has applied the so-called 'failing firm' defence for the first time since issuing a restatement of its position in December 2008.

OGC announces tightening of penalties for public procurement abuses

On 30 April 2009, the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) launched its 12-week long second-stage consultation on the implementation in UK law of the new Remedies Directive (Council Directive 2007/66/EC).

Springtime comes to German merger filings...

Recent changes to German competition law have heralded in Spring for corporate and antitrust lawyers engaged in multi-jurisdictional mergers.

Monitor strengthens the hand of the NHS Co-operation and Competition Panel

In January 2009, the Co-operation and Competition Panel for NHS-funded services opened for business. The panel will investigate and advise the Secretary of State for Health and Monitor on potential competition breaches.

The Pharmaceutical Sector Inquiry Preliminary Report: patent-related issues raised relevant to all patent intensive industries

Wragge & Co's first analysis of the EU Commission's preliminary report on the pharmaceutical sector looked at regulatory issues covered by the preliminary report. The IP team now moves on to consider the patent-related practices.

European Commission publishes new guidance on its application of Article 82

The European Commission has today published new guidance on its enforcement priorities in applying Article 82 to abusive exclusionary conduct by dominant undertakings.

European Commission publishes preliminary findings of Pharmaceutical Inquiry - and opens up a hornets' nest

At a conference in Brussels today, the European Commission delivered its preliminary findings on the Pharmaceutical Sector Inquiry.

Investigation of competition law infringements; what powers do the competition authorities have to conduct a search in my home?

As today's headlines show, there's yet more evidence that the competition authorities will stop at nothing to bring the perpetrators of anti-competitive behaviour to justice.

OFT refers Patientline/Premier merger to Competition Commission

In July 2008, Hospedia Limited announced plans for "an exciting overhaul of the UK's bedside hospital entertainment and telephony industry" following its rescue of Patientline UK Limited from administration.

Wragge & Co advises on cross-border M&A deal

Wragge & Co LLP Corporate group has advised Spectris plc subsidiary company HBM on its acquisition of US-based nCode International. The £17.5 million deal will enable HBM to strengthen its presence in North America.

It's my party and I'll cry if I want to: health minister accuses GPs of cartel activity

Department of Health publishes key guidance documents for commissioners

In May 2008, the Department of Health published the PCT Procurement Guide and Framework for Managing Choice, Cooperation and Competition. Read Wragge & Co's expert advice and comment on what this new guide could mean.

Prison sentences for marine hose cartelists

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has finally used the sharpest instrument in its cartel-busting toolkit, with the first prison sentences being passed against three British businessmen (a combined term of over eight years) under the cartel offence.

CC finds fault with PPI industry

On 5 June 2008, the Competition Commission (CC) published its provisional findings regarding competition in the Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) industry.

Is it time for the supermarkets to bite back?

The Competition Commission's (CC) final report on competition in the grocery market has been published today, following a three-year investigation. The verdict is largely a clean bill of health for the supermarket chains.

EC publishes White Paper on damages: an effective system of antitrust litigation?

On 3 April 2008, the European Commission (EC) published its White Paper on damages actions for breach of the EC antitrust rules.

Norris avoids US extradition - but for how long?

The House of Lords has today confirmed that Ian Norris, former chief executive of Morgan Crucible, will not be extradited to the US on the charge of price-fixing.

OFT criticised by High Court judge for milking publicity

CC recommends triple whammy for the 'Big Four'

Apple dances to the European Commission's tune

Marine hoses leave three UK businessmen in a tangle in maiden cartel offence prosecution

OFT holds fire on new drug distribution model

Supermarket sweep - OFT ups ante with dairy fines

What to do when the competition authorities come to call

When the Commission comes to call: legal privilege vis-à-vis the European Commission

In-house lawyers take note: CFI confirms no in-house lawyer privilege for EC competition investigations

OFT launches market study into housebuilding: a help or a hindrance?

ORR refers the ROSCOs - a railway bridge too far?

Clash of the TV titans - Ofcom launches investigation into pay TV industry

Payment Protection Insurance market referred to the Competition Commission

Commission publishes final report on retail banking sector inquiry

HM Treasury announces reform of Government Procurement

'Co-dependent' schools - when is an information exchange permissible?

Are UK consumers still paying too much for new cars?