CMA proceeds with competition investigation

UK: The Competition and Markets Authority is to continue with its investigation into suspected anti-competitive practices in the UK commercial catering equipment industry.

Investigations began at the end of August last year into suspected breaches of the Competition Act 1998 and Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Both laws prohibit, in certain circumstances, agreements and conduct which prevent, restrict or distort competition, and conduct which constitutes an abuse of a dominant position.

A decision was expected in June as to whether the Competition and Markets Authority would proceed with the investigation or drop the case.This decision had already been postponed from February to allow for further analysis and potential further information requests and stakeholder meetings.

The Authority announced yesterday that it is to continue with the investigation.

Neither the number of companies under investigation nor their identities have so far been revealed.