As negotiations between the European Union (EU) and UK enter their final stages, the outcome of Brexit rests on a knife’s edge. The expiry of the transition period on 31 December 2020 (“Transition Period”) is fast approaching and, with that, the risk that the UK will leave with a so-called “Australia-style” relationship, that is to say, a trading relationship based on standard WTO rules.

What is certain, regardless of the negotiations, is that companies will have to navigate a competition landscape that has the UK as a standalone regime in all respects — even if with a heavy EU influence. Dealing with both the EU and UK competition authorities on the same merger or behavioural investigation will be routine, adding costs and complexity.

Our market-leading UK trade and competition team will share their insights from 26 January – 3 February 2021 as we discuss the impact of the new UK-EU arrangements and adapting your business to the global realities post-Brexit. Full information about these sessions can be found here. Customs and Product Regulation…

Competition law remains a priority compliance area for businesses. It impacts upon a wide variety of day to day business practices, from pricing, distribution and managing suppliers and resellers, through to trade association activity, R&D collaboration and M&A activity

Invitation to our webinar series Join us for our webinar series EU & UK Competition Law: Essential Knowledge for In-house Lawyers (e.g. non-specialists). Competition law remains a priority compliance area for businesses. It impacts upon a wide variety of day to day business practices, from pricing, distribution and managing suppliers…

The UK Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) is delivering on its commitment to step up its enforcement of competition law.

Dawn raids are a big challenge, and getting it wrong can mean huge fines. Having good policies and procedures is important. But in the midst of a raid, you need to understand the practical issues that really matter. Based on our recent experience, we summarized are five crucial things you need to be aware of.