Powered by Lexis+®
Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom
Related legal acts
Key definition
Block exemption definition

What does Block exemption mean? A block exemption is a competition law safe harbour that automatically exempts defined categories of agreements from the general ban on anti-competitive agreements, if specified conditions are met and no hardcore restrictions (for example, price fixing or certain territorial or customer allocation) are included. It is typically applied to vertical distribution and supply, franchising, research and development, specialisation and motor vehicle distribution and servicing. United Kingdom: Block exemptions are set by Block Exemption Orders under the Competition Act 1998. Where their criteria (including market share thresholds and excluded/hardcore restrictions) are satisfied, they disapply the Chapter I prohibition in section 2...

Read More Right Arrow

EU and UK competition law for joint ventures: EUMR, EA 2002/DMCC Act thresholds, Article 101 self-assessment, ancillary restraints, spill-over and information exchange risks, with checklists

Practice notes
imgtext

Businesses commonly rely on joint ventures to break into fresh markets and to design, develop, and launch new products. This notion spans a wide array of scenarios and arrangements, including:

  • structural setups that establish or alter the economic control of a given legal entity:
    • joint venture companies themselves
    • partnerships between participants
    • alterations to existing shareholder control
  • non-Structural joint ventures:
    • contract-based joint projects
    • informal (not documented) collaborations

For many joint venture arrangements, the extent of 'control' each party holds is often pivotal—though its meaning can be understood differently in varying contexts. This is particularly significant in EU competition law in practice. Accordingly, a joint venture’s treatment under those rules depends on whether it is 'concentrative' (structural) or 'cooperative' (non-structural).

Structural joint ventures and Merger control

Where a joint venture brings about a durable structural shift in the market (ie by forming a new market player and/or combining specific activities of two pre-existing players), it may potentially be subject to the merger control rules of jurisdictions affected by the joint venture. Indeed, a structural joint venture might also fall within the rules of certain jurisdictions where the joint venture’s operation will...

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.
Web page updated on 21/05/2026

Popular documents

When evaluating a general damages claim, the practitioner ought initially to refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG)...

Read More Right Arrow

This Practice Note This Practice Note reviews mechanisms used in settling litigation. A Tomlin order consists of a consent order paired with a schedule. It operates to stay proceedings on terms that have been agreed. The provisions contained in the schedule may remain confidential. This Practice Note describes the scope of confidentiality attaching to the schedule and sets out how it differs from a standard consent order. Sample wording for a Tomlin order is included, alongside links to precedents, as well as guidance on court approval. It also addresses varying, setting aside and enforcing a Tomlin order, including the considerations the court will take into account when handling applications for each. Further guidance is provided on interpreting and applying the relevant provisions of the CPR; however, some courts and divisions impose very specific requirements for both drafting and approval, and for approaching the schedule and confidentiality issues. Accordingly, you must consider the particular rules and court guide provisions in the forum where your claim is proceeding when drawing up the Tomlin order...

Read More Right Arrow

Date [ date ] Parties [ name of Landlord ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Landlord) [ name of Tenant ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Tenant) [ [ name of Guarantor ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Guarantor) ] [ [ name of Mortgagee ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Mortgagee) ] Definitions Within this Deed, the terms below shall be interpreted as follows: [ Annual Rent • the annual sum reserved under the Lease; ] [ Insurance Rent • the Tenant’s share of the Landlord’s costs of insuring the Property (as set out in the Lease); ] Lease • the lease of the Property dated [ date ], entered into between (1) [ the Landlord OR [ name ...

Read More Right Arrow

I, [ name ], of [ address ], solemnly and sincerely state that: [ Matters to be verified, set out in numbered paragraphs ] I make this solemn statement in good conscience, believing it to be true, and pursuant to the provisions of the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. DECLARED at [ details ] this [ day ] day of [ month and year ] Before me ................................................................................ [ signature of the person before whom the declaration is made ] A [ commissioner for oaths OR [ solicitor OR [ insert other qualification ] ] authorised to administer oaths ]...

Read More Right Arrow