Focus Antitrust - 23 January 2013

In the News

Ofwat accepts commitments from Severn Trent plc in abuse of dominance case

Following consultation, Ofwat has confirmed that it has accepted binding commitments from Severn Trent plc to divest Severn Trent Laboratories. This is the first time Ofwat has accepted commitments under the Competition Act 1998. The commitments were offered to address concerns raised by Ofwat, following a complaint under the Competition Act by ALcontrol UK Ltd, which alleged that Severn Trent Laboratories had been able to win contracts for water analysis services by pricing below cost as a result of its structural links with Severn Trent Water. Having taken account of the representations received, Ofwat has concluded that Severn Trent commitments fully address its competition concerns and, as a result, the investigation is now closed. Click here.

OFT opens abuse of dominance investigation in relation to GB Oils

The OFT has launched a formal investigation into the distribution of road fuels in the Western Isles of Scotland by GB Oils. The investigation is under Chapter II of the Competition Act 1998 and relates to a suspected exclusionary abuse of a dominant position in the relevant market. The subject matter of the investigation concerns the contractual arrangements for wholesale supply of road fuels in the Western Isles offered by GB Oils and the rebates and other payments paid to filling station customers. Click here.

EU

Articles 101 and 102

The ECJ has dismissed an appeal by the European Commission against the General Court's ruling in relation to the copper fittings cartel decision that partially upheld an appeal by Tomkins. Click here. UK

Competition...