Author: 21st Century Competition

European Commission – State aid: Commission approves two public service compensation measures for the French post office

European Commission Press release Brussels, 26 May 2014 The European Commission has concluded that tax relief granted by France to the French post office (La Poste) to ensure that a high density of postal services is maintained over the period 2013-2017 is in line with EU rules on state aid. …read more

US: Defendant wants Michigan to toss natural gas antitrust case (Competition Policy International)

One of two named defendants in Michigan’s lawsuit accusing the firms of conspiring to manipulate land lease costs is reportedly asking a judge to toss the antitrust suit, say reports.

US-based Chesapeake Energy and Canada-based Encana were charged last March with antitrust violations as the state accused the natural gas companies …read more

South Africa: Communications watchdog fights for merger review power (Competition Policy International)

South Africa’s communications regulator is reportedly vying for the power to review certain mergers in the telecommunications industry regardless of independent rulings from the nation’s Competition Commission.

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa is reportedly in dispute with the Commission over what the ICASA calls a failure to allocate more …read more

US: Small grocers obtain class certification in antitrust fight (Competition Policy International)

Small grocery stores have reportedly obtained class certification in their antitrust lawsuit against supermarket giants SuperVlu and C&S Wholesale Grocers.

A lawsuit was initiated against the nation’s largest grocery wholesalers following their agreement to exchange geographical assets; SuperValu obtained Midwest strength, while C&S grew in New England. The agreement was reached …read more