Competition law

Contact: Tom McQuail and Melanie Musgrave

Competition law

CMA launches merger remedies review and new charter

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has formally begun its review of merger remedies, first announced last November. The review seeks evidence in three key areas: the CMA's general approach to remedies, including when behavioural remedies might be appropriate; how remedies can preserve pro-competitive effects; and how to make the remedies assessment process more efficient.

Feedback will be collected until 12 May 2025. The CMA will develop specific proposals for consultation in autumn. Additionally, the CMA has published a new Mergers Charter outlining principles for engagement with businesses during investigations. Both initiatives form part of the CMA's "4Ps" programme - pace, predictability, proportionality and process - aimed at boosting growth and business confidence.

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New regulatory roadmap for UK digital markets announced by CMA

In her speech at the techUK Tech Policy Conference, Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) Chief Executive Sarah Cardell outlined the CMA's approach to promoting competition whilst fostering growth in digital markets. Cardell emphasised the CMA's new "4Ps" framework—pace, predictability, proportionality, and process—designed to enhance business confidence in UK regulatory regimes.

For the new digital markets competition regime, Cardell announced 'roadmaps' for potential interventions in SMS designation investigations, with publications expected alongside consultation decisions in June and July. She committed to prioritising actions with clear UK impact and strategic significance.

Regarding consumer protection powers starting in April, Cardell previewed a phased approach to drip pricing guidance, with immediate clarity on banned practices but further consultation on complex areas. For fake reviews, the CMA will focus on compliance support rather than enforcement during the first three months.

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Competition law

CMA responds to government consultation on ticket resale protections

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has submitted its response to the joint Department for Business and Trade and Department for Culture, Media and Sport consultation regarding strengthened consumer protections for ticket resales. The CMA provides guidance on implementing the government's proposed resale price cap for live events tickets and suggests a targeted enforcement model to ensure the cap achieves its intended objectives.

The response covers several key areas, including an analysis of secondary ticketing market dynamics, a summary of the CMA's previous enforcement activities, and references to recommendations from its 2021 secondary ticketing report. The submission details important considerations for the design, implementation and enforcement of an effective resale price cap system.

The CMA also addresses specific consultation questions directly, offering evidence-based insights to support the government's policy development process in this area.

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OIM's response to the UK Internal Market Act consultation

The Competition and Market Authority’s (CMA) functions under the UK Internal Market Act 2020 are undertaken by the Office for the Internal Market (OIM). The Competition and Market Authority is the UK’s principal competition and consumer authority. It is an independent non-ministerial government department, and its responsibilities include carrying out investigations into mergers and markets and enforcing competition and consumer law. The CMA also has a role in providing information and advice to government and public authorities. The CMA helps people, businesses and the UK economy by promoting competitive markets and tackling unfair behaviour.

The OIM’s role is advisory, non-binding and focused on economic and technical expertise. The response covers several key areas, such as the market access principles for goods, the market access principles for services, the recognition of professional qualifications, independent advice on and monitoring of the UK internal market and the role of the OIM, questions on the management of the UK internal market and operation of the UK Internal Market Act.

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Competition law

Office for Internal Market response to the UK Internal Market Act 2020: Review and Consultation

The Office for the Internal Market (OIM) is part of the CMA and assists the UK's four government in understanding how internal market effects arising from regulatory developments could result in different approaches across the nations. The OIM has provided answers to questions as part of the UK Internal Market Act 2020: Review and Consultation including its role in supporting the UK internal market.

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