Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Key definition

SLC definition

What does SLC mean? SLC (substantial lessening of competition) describes, in merger control, a material reduction in competitive rivalry that risks higher prices, lower quality or choice, reduced innovation or weaker service. It is the statutory test applied by the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) under the Enterprise Act 2002 and by Ireland’s Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) under the Competition Act 2002 (as amended by the 2014 Act). Usage is consistent across England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland (UK-wide CMA jurisdiction) and broadly aligned in Ireland. In practice, the SLC test is forward‑looking and counterfactual: authorities define the relevant product and...

VPS/SitexOrbis merger: CC finds SLC in vacant property security; orders upfront-buyer divestment of GB business—cautionary tale on completing before notification (UK merger control, 2012)

Published by a LexisNexis Competition expert

Practice notes

CASE HUB ARCHIVED –this archived case hub reflects the position at the date of the decision of 17 August 2012; it is no longer maintained. See further, timeline and commentary.

Case facts

Outline: UK merger examination into the completed purchase by VPS Holdings Limited of SitexOrbis Holdings Limited.

Latest developments

The CC determined that an SLC existed in the provision of SSVP to social housing customers throughout Great Britain; to commercial customers in Scotland, South Wales, south-west and north-east England; and to commercial customers with nationwide SSVP Requirements. The CC required VPS to divest the SitexOrbis GB operation to an acceptable upfront purchaser under contractual commitment before VPS could proceed with carving out the Northern Ireland business unit. A Monitoring trustee would stay in place until the divestment was completed.

Parties

VPS Holdings Limited
SitexOrbis Holdings Limited

VPS is the holding company for the VPS group of companies...

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Web page updated on 22/05/2026

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