Author: 21st Century Competition

Australia: ACCC backs down from energy merger protest (Competition Policy International)

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has decided to allow to proposed acquisition of Macquarie Generation assets from AGL Energy after initially blocking the deal, according to reports.

The ACCC had initially ruled that the $1.4 billion acquisition would reduce competition in the energy retail markets within New South Wales. Last …read more

UK: Forex-rigging settlement on the way (Competition Policy International)

Unnamed sources said Thursday that discussions with UK authorities are heading towards a settlement in the case that alleges the manipulation of the foreign exchange market.

According to reports, the Financial Conduct Authority could reach a settlement with several banks as soon as this year. The banks that are in settlement …read more

US: Groups demand DOJ to take harsh look at Hillshire, Tyson merger (Competition Policy International)

A total of 82 consumer, community and farm groups have reportedly banded together and sent a letter to the US Department of Justice urging the regulator against an early termination of its review of the proposed merger between Tyson Foods and Hillshire Brands.

Tyson is looking to acquire Hillshire for $7.7 …read more

China: NDRC brands Qualcomm as monopoly (Competition Policy International)

One of the largest manufacturers of mobile chips, Qualcomm, has now been labeled a monopoly in China, according to reports.

State-run media said Thursday that US-based Qualcomm has been deemed a monopoly by China’s National Development and Reform Commission; the development emerged as Qualcomm’s chief executive met with authorities in the …read more