Global: The COVID-19 crisis: EU Competition Policy response
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, European Union (EU) President Ursula von der Leyen has formed a team led by eight Commissioners to coordinate the EU response.
What are the antitrust and competition risks?
Compliance with antitrust and competition laws should not be neglected during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis. Businesses that usually compete may need to work together, such as retailers collaborating to ensure the public receive essential supplies – and they may be encouraged by the government/state to do so. It remains important that any such collaboration is compatible with applicable antitrust/competition laws (unless formal waivers apply). So-called “crisis cartels” are another risk – businesses in financial distress committing an infringement by colluding to protect themselves during the crisis. Exploitative conduct such as excessive pricing or misleading behavior, potentially infringing abuse of dominance/monopolization or consumer laws, is another possible concern – authorities around the globe are keeping an eye out for such behavior.
Latest insights
Global: EU relaxes antitrust restrictions in the food and agriculture sectors
On May 4, 2020, the European Union (EU) announced a package of measures to support the food and agriculture sector and mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak, including relaxing some antitrust rules on cooperation.
US: Proposed COVID-19 legislation would pause merger activity
Representatives wrote to US House leadership requesting that the next stimulus bill include a moratorium on transactions that do not involve firms that are truly failing.
Zur Rettung des Wettbewerbs: Ausnahmen vom Kartellverbot neu denken!
The COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis has disrupted the conditions for effective competition in several markets.
US: DOJ continues to greenlight coronavirus medical collaborations
The US DOJ again announces it won’t challenge an ongoing collaboration among competitors and government agencies to provide essential COVID-19 healthcare supplies.
US: Maintaining enforcement risk vigilance while pursuing pharma opportunities in China
While many of us remain indoors and practice social distancing, business opportunities, especially in the global pharmaceutical market, continue to grow at a rapid pace.
Belgium: The COVID-19 crisis: EU Competition Policy response
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, European Union (EU) President Ursula von der Leyen has formed a team led by eight Commissioners to coordinate the EU response.
US: An ounce of prevention: Minimizing antitrust risk when evaluating labor practices
COVID-19 has forced many companies to evaluate, and implement cuts to their workforces, reductions in pay, benefits, and hours, or both.
US: Cooperation amid COVID-19: Medical supply collaboration won’t face antitrust scrutiny
The US DOJ announced in a business review letter its intent not to challenge an ongoing collaboration between numerous healthcare companies
Global: Credit for compliance: Achieving the benefits of a robust antitrust compliance program
COVID-19 (coronavirus) is naturally the focus of everyone’s attention currently given the unprecedented scale of the crisis.
UK: Covid-19 Crisis | Competition law risks and syndicated lending
In this 30 minute webinar, members of our antitrust and competition team in London will discuss competition risks in syndicated loans and how the current Covid-19 crisis might impact current syndicated lending arrangements.
US: Advertising and promotion in the healthcare marketplace during COVID-19 crisis
US healthcare companies should scrutinize advertising claims that may imply products treat COVID-19 or other diseases.
US: Antitrust agencies COVID-19 response: Federal and state authorities warn against price gouging
In the wake of COVID-19, some sellers are greatly increasing the cost of their products.
US: Antitrust agencies COVID-19 response: Request for health and safety cooperation
Companies engaged in collaboration with competitors must be careful to avoid violations of federal antitrust law.
Global: COVID-19: Implications from an antitrust and competition law perspective
The current COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis sweeping the world is having a hugely disruptive impact on society and business, and our first thoughts and best wishes are with our clients, colleagues and their families who are facing this unprecedented public health challenge.
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