South Africa: Trade Regulation & Practices

The Competition Commission's Draft Guidelines on Repair, Service and Maintenance Aftermarkets propose to regulate how original equipment manufacturers control access to repair parts and services. Drawing from decades-old US precedent, these guidelines raise fundamental questions about whether competition law should intervene in aftermarkets where firms may lack traditional market power. The proposed framework risks expanding competition law beyond its conventional boundaries while potentially imposing oblig

Judge Dennis Davis, President of the Competition Appeal Court (the "CAC"), today handed down judgment detailing the final condition applicable to the Massmart Holdings Limited ("Massmart") and Walmart Stores Inc. ("Walmart") merger (namely the condition relating to the establishment of a supplier development programme).

In 2005, the Competition Tribunal approved the large merger of the respective canning businesses of Langeberg (part of Tiger Brands) and Ashton Canning, subject to certain conditions.