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R (Greyhound Board of Great Britain Ltd) v Welsh Ministers [2026] EWHC 670 (Admin) What are the practical implications of this case? The ruling reinforces the constitutional divide between the courts and the legislature. It explains that the scheme and framework of the Government of Wales Act 2006 (GWA 2006) embody that separation of powers, and that any judicial attempt to recognise and enforce a common law obligation on Welsh Ministers to consult prior to introducing legislation in the Senedd would trespass upon that boundary. This is not a departure from established principle; case law has already upheld comparable rules for lawmakers in Scotland and at Westminster. However, this is the first express confirmation of the position for Welsh lawmakers, and the first time this dimension of the GWA 2006 has been analysed in such depth. The court examined earlier
The solution arrived through the United Nations Compensation Commission (UNCC), a quasi‑judicial body handling mass claims, created under UN Security Council Resolution 687. By addressing environmental harm—most notably via its ‘F4’ claim class—the UNCC set a seminal benchmark shaping how international law and contemporary arbitral panels allocate financial responsibility for wartime ecological devastation. With present-day wars in areas such as Eastern Europe and the Middle East bringing dam breaches, strikes on chemical facilities, and the burning of farmland, the UNCC’s legacy endures as an essential reference point for states, global investors, and companies engaged in post‑conflict arbitration. The F4 claims: Quantifying the unquantifiable Prior to the 1990s, mechanisms in international law for war reparations overwhelmingly favoured property loss, foregone earnings, and bodily injury. The natural world was commonly treated as a mute, non-compensable victim of armed hostilities...
Understanding the farming business as a business Many farms still use long-standing structures that arose by habit, not strategy. Sole traders, informal partnerships and outdated partnership deeds are common. While once effective, such setups can cause major issues around succession, tax planning and involving the next generation. A corporate team can take a fresh, business-led view of the farm, asking: Who owns the land and other critical assets? Who manages daily operations? Who carries the risk and who enjoys the return? What is the enduring plan for succession? From this review, the team can confirm whether the current setup is fit for purpose or if an alternative — for example an updated partnership agreement, a company, a limited liability partnership, or a blended model — would better meet the family’s aims. Tax efficiency through joined-up advice Tax sits at the centre of most
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Alphabet and Others , Case C-233/23 What are the practical implications of this case? The Opinion’s suggested approach could, in principle, spur innovation and rivalry by lowering barriers for newcomers to tap into digital platforms. It may likewise enhance the uptake of emerging technologies and back the creation of novel tools supporting, for instance, the energy transition. Yet it also poses notable hurdles and ambiguities, particularly around data protection, intellectual property, and cyber security. Dominant platforms, for example, would seek robust safeguards to prevent jeopardising their intellectual property rights, including carefully circumscribing the parameters of access. As the digital technology sector keeps expanding and maturing, further evolution in how competition law applies to digital platforms is probable, and actors in the digital economy will have to remain up to date with such developments in order to navigate an increasingly intricate and fluid...
Mergers The Commission has been notified of the following: PGGM/ Invesis ( M.11877) (simplified merger procedure) LDC/ Viterra Assets ( M.11827) (simplified merger procedure) Yunex/ VVP/ Ascendi/ Triangle JV ( M.11795) (simplified merger procedure) The Commission has released the public versions of its phase I clearance decisions for: Rolex/ Bucherer ( M.11246)—see further, decision Arcelik/ Whirlpool EMEA MDA ( M.11086)—see further, decision The Commission also issued the public version of its Article 4(4) full referral decision in MSC/ Moby ( M.11595). Note— For all ongoing merger investigations before the Commission, see further, EU mergers—ongoing cases tracker Upcoming dates For dates of forthcoming EU competition developments, see further, EU Competition calendar......
In this issue: UK digital markets UK competition policy UK private actions EU antitrust Daily and weekly news alerts Caselex UK digital markets CMA opens first ‘ SMS investigation’ under the DMCCA 2024 into Google’s general search and search advertising The CMA has begun an ‘initial SMS investigation’ under Part 1 of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 ( DMCCA 2024). This is the authority’s first SMS designation probe under the new DMCCA digital markets framework. The CMA’s power to designate undertakings with SMS, and potentially impose conduct requirements, took effect on 1 January 2025. The Investigation Notice states that Alphabet Inc, Google LLC, Google Ireland Limited and Google UK Limited ( Google) provide general worldwide web search and information return (general search), and advertising to users of general search (search advertising). The CMA considers these meet the definition of a digital activity and can be treated as one...
Mergers The CMA issued a formal notice extending the statutory timeframe and also revised its administrative schedule in connection with its phase 2 inquiry into Global Business Travel Group, Nitwit Holdings, LLC......
State aid Court of Justice issues judgment in national reference from Italy regarding whether a local authority can widen the scope for repayment of unlawful aid The Court of Justice has delivered its ruling in Case C-588/23, Scai, following a national reference from Italy by the domestic courts. It requests clarification on whether, among other matters, domestic provisions accord with Articles 108 and 288 TFEU and with Articles 16 and 31 of Regulation ( EU) No 2015/1589 where a local body broadens the ambit of recovery of unlawful public support. Background Buonotourist Srl ( Buonotourist) provides public transport services under regional and municipal concessions, notably operating a network of bus lines in the Campania region. On 7 November 2012, the Consiglio di Stato rendered a decision fixing the additional remuneration that Campania owed Buonotourist at €1,111,572, and directed that this amount be settled by 7...
Antitrust Commission sends supplementary Statement of Objections to Lufthansa indicating its intention to impose interim measures to prevent harm to Frankfurt- New York air passengers The Commission stated it has issued a supplementary Statement of Objections ( SO) to Deutsche Lufthansa AG ( Lufthansa), signalling intention to adopt interim steps, pursuant to Article 8(1) of Regulation 1/2003, obliging the carrier to restore Condor’s access to Lufthansa’s feeder traffic serving Frankfurt airport, inbound and outbound......
Private actions CAT publishes judgment setting out reasons for approving terms of settlement agreed with WWL/ EUKOR and K- Line defendants in maritime car carrier companies cartel The CAT has handed down its judgment in Mark Mc Laren Class Representative Limited v MOL ( Europe Africa) Ltd and Others, setting out why it approved the collective settlement terms agreed between the Class Representative and, respectively, the WWL/ EUKOR and K- Line defendants in Maritime Car Carriers ( AT.40009). This is a damages action brought by Mr Mark Mc Laren, as the Class Representative, under section 47( B) of the Competition Act 1998, against various maritime car carrier companies, alleging that those operators infringed Article 101 TFEU by taking part in a cartel alleged therein......
Mergers The Commission approved the takeover, thereby granting EP Group, a.s. sole control of International Distribution Services Plc...
Digital markets CMA launches first ‘ SMS investigation’ under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 into Google’s general search and search advertising The CMA has confirmed it has opened an ‘initial SMS investigation’ under Part 1 of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers ( DMCC) Act 2024. This announcement represents the authority’s first SMS designation inquiry within the new DMCCA digital markets regime. The CMA’s ability to designate undertakings with SMS, and to impose conduct requirements where appropriate, took effect on 1 January 2025. Its Investigation Notice records that Alphabet Inc, Google LLC, Google Ireland Limited and Google UK Limited ( Google) operate both general worldwide web search and information return (general search), as well as business advertising services presented to users of general search (search advertising). The CMA considers these activities to fall within the definition of a digital activity and to be...
Mergers After a phase I review, the Commission cleared joint control of Houtwerf BV and Distrhout NV by Deli Home Holding BV and Houtwerf International BV ( M.11569)—see further, Midday Express. Notifications received: Mutares/ Buderus ( M.11801) and Atlas/ Rehau Automotive ( M.11797), both under the simplified procedure. Public version of the MSC/ Clasquin decision ( M.11563) published—see further, decision. NOTE— See further, EU mergers—ongoing cases tracker. Foreign Subsidies Regulation Notification received in Atlas/ Rehau Automotive ( FS.100161) (concentration). NOTE— See further, Foreign Subsidies Regulation—ongoing cases tracker. Antitrust Application published in Case C-762/24 Conserve Italia and Consorzio Italiano fra cooperative agricole and Conserves France v Commission, appealing the General Court’s judgment in T-59/22 that upheld annulment of the Commission’s Canned vegetables decision ( AT.40127)—see further, application. NOTE— See further, Court of Justice appeals—ongoing cases tracker. State aid Applications published in T-539/24 Ryaniar Designated Activity Company v Commission ( SA.59029— Italy— Covid-19...
Competition policy CMA consults on draft Annual Plan for 2025–2026 The CMA has opened a consultation on its draft Annual Plan for 2025–2026. The document outlines the authority’s proposed priorities over the coming three years and pinpoints areas of attention for the next 12 months. It underscores how the CMA’s competition and consumer remit helps create the right conditions for growth across the UK economy. It also describes how strands of the CMA’s activity will spur stronger innovation, attract investment and raise productivity. In addition, it sets out the way the CMA will back the government’s Industrial Strategy. The CMA has updated its medium-term priorities and detailed fresh near-term areas of emphasis (in the next 12 months) aligned to each of its ambitions: to enable the whole UK economy to expand in a productive and sustainable way; to ensure people feel assured they are...
Mergers The Commission conditionally approved the proposed takeover of Ansys, Inc....
Competition policy Government publishes terms of reference regarding review of Northern Ireland Protocol ( Windsor Framework) On 9 January 2025, Hilary Benn, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, issued a written statement to Parliament confirming he had commissioned an independent review into how the Northern Ireland Protocol ( Windsor Framework) is operating. The statement further noted: On 10 December 2024, the Northern Ireland Assembly voted on whether Articles 5 to 10 of the Protocol should continue to apply in full......
Antitrust AG delivers opinion on Belgian reference urging that an exclusive distributor be shielded from active sales in its territory by all the supplier’s other purchasers Advocate General Medina has presented her opinion in Case C-581/23 Beevers Kaas, a reference from Belgium addressing the interpretation of Article 101 TFEU and the former vertical agreements block exemption ( Regulation 330/2010). The focus is whether an exclusive distribution arrangement accords with the parallel imposition requirement, under which a supplier must ensure its exclusive distributor is safeguarded against active selling into the protected territory by all the supplier’s remaining distributors or buyers. The opinion considers how these rules apply where exclusivity is granted and parallel obligations are expected across the supplier’s network to prevent targeted incursions into the exclusive...
In this issue: UK mergers UK antitrust UK digital markets regime UK competition policy UK sector regulation UK private actions UK NSI Act EU digital markets EU Mergers Daily and weekly news alerts New and updated content Caselex UK mergers CMA publishes finalised versions of six updated mergers guidance documents to reflect jurisdictional and procedural changes introduced by the DMCCA The CMA has unveiled the definitive editions of six revised merger guidance documents, updating them to mirror the jurisdictional and procedural adjustments brought about by the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 ( DMCCA 2024)......
Mergers The CMA has opened a phase 1 investigation into the expected acquisition of Citron Hygiene by Bidvest (phs Group)—see further: case page The CMA has released the application in Spreadex Limited v CMA, an appeal by Spreadex Limited against the CMA’s phase 2 decision of 22 November 2024 in the Spreadex/ Sporting Index merger—see further: application NOTE— For all live mergers before the CMA, see further: UK mergers—ongoing cases tracker NOTE— For all live appeals of CMA decisions in competition investigations to CAT and the appeal courts, see further: UK competition appeals—ongoing cases tracker Upcoming dates For dates of upcoming UK competition developments, see further: UK Competition calendar......
Mergers Following a phase I investigation, the Commission approved the formation of a joint venture between STRABAG AG and Becker Umweltdienste Gmb H ( M.11790)—see further, Midday Express. The Commission received notifications for: General Atlantic/ PSG/ Hostaway ( M.11864) (simplified merger procedure) Eichler Consulting/ Maximilian Aicher/ Evelyne Maria Aicher/ Wolfgang Reitzle/ Telchar Investments/ RMH Production ( M.11842) (simplified merger procedure) Ares/ GCP ( M.11787) (simplified merger procedure) Note— For ongoing merger investigations before the Commission, see the EU mergers—ongoing cases tracker. State aid The Court of Justice held a hearing in Case C‑632/23 Commission v Bulgaria (Échanges de terrains forestiers II), an action brought by the Commission against Bulgaria for failing to comply with Decision SA.26212...
Mergers The Commission has approved the acquisition of control over Adamant Ecodev S.r.l...
Digital markets CMA announces it intends to launch SMS investigations in relation to 3 distinct digital activities within six months of regime Following the commencement, on 1 January 2025, of the new digital markets competition regime under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 ( DMCCA), the CMA set out a statement outlining its immediate intentions as the regime came into force. In January 2024, the CMA outlined its planned approach to the digital markets regime, indicating it anticipated launching three or four Strategic Market Status ( SMS) investigations within the first year of the DMCCA’s commencement......
Competition policy CMA and Department of Business and Trade and CMA sign memorandum of understanding over international co-operation and consumer law enforcement The CMA has published a memorandum of understanding ( Mo U) with the Department for Business and Trade ( DBT) concerning international co-operation on competition and consumer law enforcement. The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 introduces measures that bolster collaboration between the UK’s competition and consumer authorities and their counterparts overseas. The Mo U provides the framework for cross-border co-operation between DBT and the CMA. It outlines expectations, roles and responsibilities for joint working, including: the sharing of relevant information for use in civil and criminal investigations and proceedings; the provision of investigative assistance to regulators abroad; and arrangements for international co-operation. See further, memorandum of understanding. Upcoming dates: For dates of upcoming UK competition...
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When evaluating a general damages claim, the practitioner ought initially to refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG)...
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...
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 ...
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 ]...
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