Last week, we blogged about the Bundeskartellamt finding that Alphabet/Google has a “paramount significance across markets”. One aspect that played a role in this and other cases is the relationship between data protection and antitrust law. A reason for us to take a closer look at this relationship in recent case law. As an antitrust … Continue reading Data protection and antitrust law – a relationship for eternity? →

We have blogged about recent cases involving big tech here and here. With its first press release this year, the Bundeskartellamt found that Alphabet/Google has a “paramount significance across markets”. In this post, we provide an outlook on the potential implications this decision might have in the future. Many people (and companies) start the new … Continue reading (Not) a happy new year? →

Today the new coalition of the SPD, Greens and FDP, the so-called “traffic-light coalition”, published its coalition agreement. Rumours that the ministerial permission is to be abolished have not materialised. However, the new coalition plans to improve the right of third parties to appeal a ministerial permission and to potentially even involve the German parliament … Continue reading The German ministerial permission: Reform incoming?! →

Only recently, we have reported on various moves by senior antitrust officials to private practice. Today, we turn to the shift of responsibilities within the authorities and the question whether the European Commission and national European antitrust authorities have the capacities to enforce their new competition tools once they are made available to them. New … Continue reading Will the DMA and similar national rules be enforceable at all, and who will remain to enforce in other areas? →

The European Commission has announced its answer to the global chip crisis: A number of measures put together in what is called the European Chips Act. We take a brief look at the Commission’s plans and how they might influence ongoing and future deal reviews in the industry. Only recently, Tobias had a look at … Continue reading The European Chips Act – a political industry plan paralleling merger reviews →

After almost 16 years as chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel will retire after the election in September, making the race to power more open than ever. This piece summarizes the antitrust plans of four parties that seem to have a shot at being part of the next government. Status quo At least based on recent … Continue reading Election incoming: What will change in German antitrust? →