Markets Authority

Will Hayter, head of the UK Competition and Markets Authority, delivered a speech titled "On track: delivering the promises of the digital markets regime" at the Time to Reset: Unlocking Growth & Sovereignty Through Digital Competition event, hosted by the News Media Association and Reset. In his address, Hayter confirmed that the CMA is on schedule to implement the new regulatory framework aimed at increasing competition among large digital platforms. He highlighted ongoing enforcement actions and upcoming policy updates that will shape the digital economy. The speech underscored the Authority’s commitment to delivering on the regime’s objectives and maintaining a level playing field for UK businesses.

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority has referred the proposed Contracts for Difference for Renewables Allocation Round 8 scheme to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero for review. The referral follows a report by the Subsidy Advice Unit, which identified issues with the previous draft of the scheme. The report's findings will inform the review process, ensuring the scheme aligns with competition and subsidy rules. The review aims to ensure the scheme promotes fair competition and efficient allocation of renewable energy contracts.

The Subsidy Advice Unit (SAU), part of the UK Competition and Markets Authority, has released a report advising the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) on a proposed subsidy to EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Ltd. The report outlines the regulatory considerations and potential market impacts of the subsidy. It is a key step in the UK’s subsidy approval process, ensuring that any financial support aligns with competition and market fairness standards. DESNZ will use the SAU’s findings to decide whether to proceed with the subsidy, which could affect EDF’s nuclear generation funding and the broader energy security strategy.

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has released a draft of revised guidance that outlines its approach to evaluating rivalry‑enhancing efficiencies in merger reviews. The guidance is part of the CMA’s ongoing effort to clarify how it will weigh efficiencies that strengthen competition rather than reduce it. The authority is currently seeking public comments on the draft, inviting stakeholders to provide feedback on the proposed methodology and criteria. Once the consultation period ends, the CMA will review the input received before finalising the guidance and incorporating it into its merger assessment framework.

The UK Competition and Markets Authority has begun a formal investigation into Seras Energy Ltd’s proposed purchase of G. I. Hadfield & Son Limited, the dedicated waste‑wood business of Enva Group. The inquiry follows the announcement of the acquisition, which would bring the waste‑wood operation under Seras Energy’s ownership. The CMA is reviewing the transaction to assess potential impacts on competition within the waste‑wood market and to determine whether the deal could create a significant market concentration. The outcome of the inquiry will decide whether the acquisition can proceed, be modified, or be blocked.

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has opened an inquiry into the recently completed purchase of The Southern Co‑operative Limited by Co‑operative Group Limited. The investigation focuses on whether the merger could reduce competition in the markets served by the two co‑operatives. The CMA will review the transaction’s impact on consumer choice, pricing and market entry. Depending on its findings, the authority may require remedial actions such as divestments or impose conditions on the combined entity. The inquiry is part of the CMA’s broader mandate to ensure that large mergers do not harm competition or consumer welfare in the UK. The investigation is expected to conclude with a formal decision that could reshape the competitive landscape of the UK retail and services sector.

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is conducting an inquiry into E. ON's proposed acquisition of OVO Energy. The CMA will assess the potential impact of the deal on competition in the energy market. The investigation aims to determine whether the acquisition could lead to reduced competition, higher prices, or other negative consequences for consumers. The CMA will consider various factors, including the market share of the companies involved and the potential effects on consumers. The outcome of the inquiry will be crucial in determining the future of the acquisition.

The UK Competition and Markets Authority has published a corporate report detailing the biographies and disclosures of interest for its panel members. The report confirms that decisions on the Authority’s phase 2 markets and mergers work are made by independent groups of panel members. This structure is intended to safeguard the impartiality of the Authority’s regulatory actions. The release provides transparency into the backgrounds and potential conflicts of the individuals who will evaluate and approve significant market and merger cases in the upcoming phase of the CMA’s work.

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has secured compensation for heating‑oil customers whose orders were cancelled after the escalation of conflict in the Middle East. The regulator confirmed that hundreds of consumers will receive payments to cover the cost of the cancelled supplies. The decision follows investigations into the supply chain disruptions that forced retailers to cancel orders and leave customers without heating oil during a critical period. CMA’s action aims to restore consumer confidence and ensure that market participants can recover losses caused by the geopolitical event. The compensation will be paid directly to affected customers over the coming weeks.

The UK Competition and Markets Authority has published a corporate report on high‑growth firms as part of its Microeconomics Unit’s Growth Programme. The study aims to support the government’s drive for economic growth and the modern Industrial Strategy by providing research on the key drivers and blockers of growth. The report is intended to inform policy makers and industry stakeholders about the factors that enable or hinder rapid expansion in the UK economy. It follows the CMA’s broader effort to identify critical growth levers and to shape evidence‑based policy interventions.