On September 14, 2024, China’s SAMR published streamlined notification and publicity forms for cases reviewed under its simplified merger review procedure (“Simple Cases”). The revised forms will take effect as of October 12, 2024.
Antitrust Review Episode 32: What To Expect Under the Labour Government
In this episode of Cleary Gottlieb’s Antitrust Review podcast, host Nick Levy is joined by a panel featuring Jackie Holland, Cleary partner and former Senior Director of the UK Office of Fair Trading; Ricardo Zimbrón, former Director of Mergers at the Competition & Markets Authority and currently a partner at Cleary; Alexander Baker, CEO, Fingleton; and John Gray, Partner, FGS Global, to discuss the implications of the new Labour Government for competition enforcement and practice in the UK. Their conversation covers an array of topics, including the new government’s growth agenda, the role of politics in antitrust enforcement, merger control, consumer protection, digital regulation, and much more.
The French Competition Authority clears the acquisition of Kindred Group by La Française des Jeux, subject to brand separation and other commitments to address conglomerate concerns
On September 13, 2024, the French Competition Authority (“FCA”) approved the acquisition of Kindred Group (“Kindred”) by La Française des Jeux (“FDJ”, the “Transaction”) in the gambling sector, subject to behavioural commitments, including brand separation, to address conglomerate concerns.[1]
Antitrust Review Episode 31: In Conversation With The Illumina/GRAIL Team
In the latest instalment of Cleary Gottlieb’s Antitrust Review podcast, host Nick Levy is joined by the team of lawyers
Innovation, Resilience, Investment, and Scale: Draghi’s Vision for the Future of European Competitiveness[1]
On September 9, 2024, Mario Draghi, former President of the European Central Bank and former Italian Prime Minister, presented his report on the Future of European Competitiveness (the “Report”), with the objective to inform the work of the incoming Commission. Featured in President von der Leyen’s Political Guidelines issued in July,[2] and in several mission letters for the new Commissioners, the Report revived the debate concerning the competitiveness of EU companies in global markets.
The European Commission Unveils Key Findings on EU Antitrust Enforcement Framework and Interim Measures Report
On September 5, 2024, the European Commission (“Commission”) published a Staff Working Document[1] summarizing the outcome of an evaluation of Regulations 1/2003 and 77/2004, which govern the procedural framework for enforcing EU competition rules under Articles 101 and 102 TFEU (“EU Antitrust Enforcement Framework”). On the same day, the Commission adopted a report on the use of interim measures by National Competition Authorities (“NCAs”).[2]
Antitrust Review Episode 30: In Conversation with Martijn Snoep
In the latest instalment of Cleary Gottlieb’s Antitrust Review podcast, host Nick Levy is joined by Martijn Snoep, Chair of
The French Competition Authority Clears the Takeover of la Poste Telecom by Bouygues Telecom Unconditionally
On August 19, 2024, the French Competition Authority (“FCA”) unconditionally cleared Bouygues Telecom’s acquisition of sole control of La Poste Telecom (together “the Parties”) through the acquisition of La Poste Group’s 51% stake. SFR owned the remaining 49% of La Poste Telecom and had a right of first refusal on La Poste Group’s shares that were for sale, as well as a right of approval over the buyer of those shares.[1] The acquisition was completed on November 15, 2024.[2]
Antitrust Review Episode 29: In Conversation With Barry Hawk
In the latest instalment of our Antitrust Review podcast, host Nick Levy is joined by Barry Hawk, one of antitrust
Banco BPN v. BIC Português and others: The Court of Justice Clarifies That a “Standalone” Exchange of Information Between Competitors Constitutes a Restriction of Competition By Object
On July 29, 2024, the Court of Justice issued its preliminary ruling in case C-298/22 Banco BPN v. BIC Português and others.[1] The Court confirmed that a “standalone” exchange of information between competitors – meaning that the information exchange in question constitutes the examined conduct in itself and is not ancillary to any other conduct – can be deemed a restriction of competition by object under Article 101 TFEU. This ruling is important because it clarifies that information exchange can constitute a restriction by object, even if it is not linked to a wider anti-competitive practice and no actual market impact has been shown.[2]