Recent Developments at the CMA: 2016–2017

Abstract

We discuss three interesting cases that the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has dealt with over the past year. First, we cover the ICE/Trayport vertical merger, which was prohibited by the CMA. Second, we discuss the CMA’s recent market investigation into the UK energy sector. The CMA arrived at the unexpected finding that markets with homogeneous products, multiple players and low entry barriers can still lead to significant competition concerns. Finally, we discuss the CMA’s work in relation to retail most favoured nation clauses, and include econometric results showing the impact of these clauses on platforms’ commission fees .