Louise Tolley

Publications: 17 OCTOBER 2019

European Commission imposes interim measures for first time in nearly two decades

The European Commission (Commission) has the power to order companies suspected of engaging in anti-competitive behaviour to stop their conduct pending a final decision in an investigation – so-called “interim measures”. The idea is that interim measures prevent activity which could irreparably damage the market before the Commission has completed its probe and had a chance to sanction the behaviour. But these powers have rarely been used. In fact, they have lain dormant since the IMS Health case 18 years ago, where the Commission imposed interim measures ordering the firm to grant a licence in relation to pharmaceuticals data.

Publications: 17 JULY 2019

CMA launches digital markets strategy and market study into online platforms and digital advertising

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published a document setting out its digital markets strategy and, in parallel, has launched a market study into online platforms and digital advertising. These developments follow on from a series of independent reports into the digital sector, including the Furman Report in March and the Lear Report in June. They also build on the package of reforms proposed in February by the CMA’s Chairman, Lord Tyrie, as well as statements by its Chief Executive, Andrea Coscelli. 

Publications: 27 JUNE 2019

European Commission seeks to impose interim measures for first time in nearly two decades

The European Commission (Commission) has the power to order companies suspected of engaging in anti-competitive behaviour to stop their conduct pending a final decision in an investigation – so-called “interim measures”. The idea is that interim measures prevent activity which could irreparably damage the market before the Commission has completed its probe and had a chance to sanction the behaviour. But these powers have rarely been used. In fact, the last time the Commission imposed interim measures was 18 years ago, against IMS Health, ordering it to grant a licence in relation to pharmaceuticals data.

Publications: 14 MARCH 2019

Furman report on unlocking digital competition

​On 13 March the UK Government published a report by an expert panel established by the Chancellor and led by Harvard economist and former White House economic adviser, Jason Furman, on reforms to competition rules and regulation in the digital sector: “Unlocking digital competition”.