United Kingdom: Cartels, Monopolies

This newsletter examines pivotal competition law developments across the UK and EU, including the CJEU's landmark €4.125bn fine against Google for Android-related abuses, the UK Court of Appeal's significant ruling on distribution system restrictions, and the implications of Andy Burnham's premiership for UK competition policy.

The strict criteria laid down in the EU Court of Justice's (CJEU) landmark Bronner judgment have often been deployed by dominant firms as a "shield" when facing accusations of acting abusively by blocking competitors from using or accessing their assets.

Freight transport M&A showed signs of recovery in Q1 2026, with deal volume rising approximately 5% and capital concentrating in larger strategic transactions. North American activity surged back to pre-Liberation Day levels, while geopolitical risks and structural oversupply continued to reshape buyer strategies and underwriting models across the sector.

The level of fines imposed for infringements relating to vertical and other non-cartel conduct increased ten-fold in 2024, reversing a trend of decline in recent years.

Overall, the number of immunity/leniency cases decided in 2024 (21) was broadly in line with 2023 (19) and 2022 (18).

The UK's Procurement Act 2023 is set to go live on 24 February 2025, representing a real shift in approach for UK public sector buyers, and suppliers seeking to navigate the new rules.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has recently announced that it has commenced an investigation into a number of suppliers and industry bodies involved in the supply of chemical...

This week's Dekagram examines whether, and when, service of a claim form can be validly effected on an erroneous address; Lucy Lodewyke looks at an unusual case in which service under CPR Part 6.15 was authorised.

Almost 10 years after the enactment of EU Directive 2014/104 (‘Damages Directive'), the private enforcement of competition law in the European Union (‘EU') has truly taken off.