Category: Global Blogs

New Zealand: Energy watchdog looks to give small players a boost (Competition Policy International)

New Zealand’s energy watchdog is looking for ways to give smaller companies a competitive edge against the largest electricity firms with new rule changes, say reports.

The Electricity Authority has drafted new rules that would place restrictions on major conglomerates’ practices of winning back customers that have left the company for …read more

US: Carlos Slim threatens T-Mobile bidding war (Competition Policy International)

Just days after Sprint and T-Mobile were reported to be planning a joint bid during next year’s spectrum auction in support of their expected merger, America Movil is now said to be planning a possible bid to acquire T-Mobile, a move that could set off a bidding war for the …read more

Spain: Takeover of bailed-out bank a sign of optimism (Competition Policy International)

The takeover of a bailed-out bank in Spain is a sign of confidence in the recover of the nation’s economy, the acquirer said.

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentina announced Tuesday that it will acquire Catalunya Banc in a $1.62 billion deal. During the announcement, BBVA executives said the takeover shows their optimism …read more

UK: Time running short for Eurotunnel appeal (Competition Policy International)

After the Competition and Markets Authority held up its predecessor’s ruling against Eurotunnel, requiring the ferry servicer to divest assets and break up its operations on a certain route, Eurotunnel has vowed to appeal, though warns that the appeal will not likely come in time to save service from coming …read more