Shifting Priorities at the CMA
Britain recently replaced the chair of its antitrust regulator. This action followed criticism about prioritizing Labour’s growth agenda. The move suggests a potential shift in the UK’s approach to Big Tech regulation. Marcus Bokkerink left the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) late Tuesday. Amazon’s former UK boss, Doug Gurr, replaced him. This appointment signals a possible change in direction. The CMA currently reviews several high-profile cases.
Key Cases Under CMA Scrutiny
The CMA actively investigates various markets. They focus on ensuring fair competition. Several key cases currently occupy their attention. These cases span diverse sectors of the economy. They include technology, grocery, and pharmaceuticals. The CMA scrutinizes mergers and acquisitions. They also investigate potential anti-competitive practices.
- Big Tech Dominance: The CMA has been closely examining the dominance of major tech companies. They investigate potential abuses of market power. This includes Google’s advertising practices. They also examine Apple’s App Store policies. These investigations aim to level the playing field. They want to promote innovation and consumer choice.
- Grocery Market Competition: The CMA also monitors the grocery market. They ensure fair pricing for consumers. They investigate potential anti-competitive agreements between supermarkets. They seek to prevent unfair practices that harm smaller retailers. This maintains a competitive grocery landscape.
- Pharmaceutical Pricing: The CMA scrutinizes pharmaceutical pricing. They investigate potential price gouging. They ensure access to affordable medicines. They prevent companies from exploiting patent protections. This protects consumers from excessive drug costs.
- Mergers and Acquisitions: The CMA reviews significant mergers. They assess their potential impact on competition. They can block mergers that create monopolies. They may require companies to make concessions. This ensures markets remain competitive.
CMA Case Updates: A Table of Key Investigations
| Case Title | Case Stage | CMA Remarks | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Probe into Google’s general search, search ad services | Launched strategic market status designation probe | To assess Google’s position in search and search advertising services. | Oct. 13, 2025 |
| Mobile browsers and cloud gaming | Final report publication set | March 16, 2025 | |
| Probe into Google’s “Privacy Sandbox” browser changes | Ongoing talks with Google | N/A | |
| Probe into suspected anti-competitive conduct by Google in ad tech | Representations received on the statement of objections | N/A | |
| IBM’s $6.4 bln acquisition of HashiCorp | Phase 1 | Investigating potential competition concerns. | Feb. 25, 2025 |
| Synopsys’ $35 bln purchase of Ansys | Considering undertakings offered | N/A | |
| ForFarmers/Boparan joint venture | Phase 2 | In-depth phase 2 probe underway. Initial probe found potential competition concerns. | May 13, 2025 |
| Global Business Travel’s $570 mln deal to buy CWT Holdings | Interim report published | March 9, 2025 | |
| Keysight’s $1.5 bln acquisition of Spirent | Phase 1 | Considering whether the acquisition would substantially lessen competition. | March 13, 2025 |
| Blackrock’s $3.2 bln acquisition of Preqin | Merger inquiry launched | Feb. 12, 2025 | |
| Schlumberger’s (SLB’s) $8 bln purchase of ChampionX | Comments invited | N/A |
