A blog about the intersection of antitrust, foreign investment control, politics, and everything in between
The foreign subsidies regulation (FSR) is only just over a year old and yet it has already provided ample fuel for legal and political debate. Recent political initiatives and a court ruling suggest that this trend will persist. As we already mentioned in one of our earlier posts this year, the European Commission conducted its … Continue reading First win for Commission in FSR court decision
As with everything else, the German Federal Cartel Office´s newsfeed tends to be quieter than usual during the summer months. This makes two new decisions published by the authority in quick succession even more eye-catching. One of them concerns hospitals, the other one the crash test dummy industry. While the cases concern different industries, I … Continue reading Two failed mergers – a trend or a coincidence?
It's been almost exactly two years since we last blogged about information exchange (see here). We have been desperately waiting for an opportunity to revisit this topic dear to our heart, and the ECJ has now provided us with one. In its decision of 29 July 2024 (C‑298/22), the ECJ addresses the exchange of information … Continue reading Another update on information exchange?!
OK, the title was only meant to catch your attention. And to foreshadow three – albeit separate – topics of this post: AI and antitrust, a screening regime for outbound investments, and a hefty antitrust sports battle. New developments on all of these topics warrant attention. Rise of the machines: A global approach to AI … Continue reading Outbound investments into AI to be screened in line with updated matchday calendar
Under the headline "Protecting competition in a changing world", the European Commission has examined the development of competition over the last 25 years. The report is meant to provide a basis for the further development of competition law and to contribute insights for enforcers and policymakers. Here are some key takeaways and an outlook. The … Continue reading Protecting competition in a changing world? Here you go:
With the summer holidays having officially taken off, one of the peak business times of many industries has started as well. One of these industries is not only the centre of attention for many travellers, but also of many regulators: the airline industry. So, time for a ´seasonal´ topic – recent airline merger cases and … Continue reading Lessons to learn from airline mergers
The European Football Championship is in full swing. The whole of Europe is following the exciting matches – either at public viewings or in front of the TV at home. Euphoria is spreading across the continent. The mood could hardly be better. Just the right time, the German Federal Cartel Office must have thought, to … Continue reading There are still fines for resale price maintenance?!
When conducting dawn raid trainings, you will already be pleased if participants leave the session remembering one key point: Do not destroy any documents or delete data after the dawn raid has started. Whilst the days of secretaries running to the shredder to destroy incriminating evidence might be over (not only for antitrust reasons), the … Continue reading On new paths: Record fine for deleting messages on a mobile phone
This week, the German Federal Cartel Office (FCO) unconditionally cleared the acquisition of Olink by Thermo Fisher after an in-depth review of the case. While the parties and lawyers involved might be (well-deservedly) popping champagne corks, I would like to use this case to highlight some trends in German merger control (and beyond). What is … Continue reading An exception or the first of many?
The world of standard essential patents (SEPs) is a hotbed of legal disputes, especially in the automotive industry. The German Federal Cartel Office's recent decision regarding the "Automotive Licensing Negotiation Group" could have widespread implications. This decision marks a turning point, providing collective bargaining power to licensees. However, its global and long-term impact remains uncertain.
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