Competition Policy
3 articles tagged with this topic.
Eight firms under investigation over online pricing
The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched investigations into eight companies, including StubHub, Viagogo, AA Driving School, and Wayfair, over potentially misleading online pricing practices such as "drip pricing" and misleading time-limited sales. This is the first action taken under new consumer protection powers, allowing the CMA to issue fines up to 10% of global turnover and order compensation without court proceedings.
Examples of mergers that have been blocked by the CMA
This article provides examples of mergers blocked by the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and the EU competition authorities, highlighting reasons such as reduced competition and potential harm to consumers. It specifically details the CMA's decision to block the Sainsbury's and Asda merger in 2019.
A small US grocer is calling out the lower prices at big chains
An independent grocer in Brooklyn says large US supermarket chains get preferential wholesale prices from manufacturers, allowing them to sell items at or near the price independents pay. The case has reignited debate over supplier price discrimination and the revived use of the Robinson-Patman Act, with recent lawsuits testing whether enforcing it would protect small retailers or harm consumers. Advocates call for stricter enforcement and pricing transparency, while critics suggest easing taxes and regulation for small firms or using existing antitrust rules instead.