ECJ confirms DG Comp’s right to drop investigations

The European Court of Justice has upheld a ruling by the General Court that the European Commission acted legally when it dropped an investigation into alleged collusion by a group of agrichemical producers in Poland and Austria.

We must raise awareness of damages actions, state aid official says

A European Commission official has admitted the incentives for damages actions in state aid are “a bit of an issue” and encouraging such actions remains a challenge for the commission. Janith Aranze at GCR Live State Aid

DG Comp chief economist wants broader view on merger enforcement

Agencies reviewing deals should understand consumer welfare to be broader than static prices, Tommaso Valletti has said, as his own office looks at whether merger overlaps are fully remedied by divestitures. Pallavi Guniganti in Brussels

New Zealand probes Datix/RL Solutions

New Zealand’s Commerce Commission has started an investigation into the proposed merger of healthcare software companies Datix and RL Solutions.
UK takes Sainsbury’s / Asda tie-up to Phase II

The UK’s competition authority has announced an in-depth Phase II review of the proposed merger between UK grocers Sainsbury’s and Asda, based on concerns about both suppliers and consumers.
Belgium imposes interim measures on ABB

Belgium’s antitrust enforcer has demanded that ABB Industrial Solutions lower the price of its electricity meter box lids, after the electrical infrastructures company allegedly abused its dominant market position that came from winning a public procurement tender.

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GCR USA

Allergan fails to dodge pay-for-delay claim

A federal judge ruled on Tuesday that plaintiffs plausibly claimed harm from Allergan’s alleged attempts to block market entry of a generic dry-eye medication.

Restasis suit survives: The Tipline for 20 September 2018

Two class actions survived a motion to dismiss brought by Allergan; the Federal Trade Commission is taking a closer look at the proposed merger of two rent-to-buy stores; and two technology trade groups are supporting the commission in its lawsuit against Qualcomm.

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