Economic growth, UK merger control

Ian Giles and Richard Whish KC (Hon) discuss recent and expected reforms to the UK merger control regime linked to the UK government's economic growth mission.  This includes discussion of proposals to change how Phase 2 decisions are made by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), with the government planning to replace the longstanding CMA panel system for Phase 2 mergers with a board committee model.

The video also discusses the CMA's prohibition of Spreadex's completed acquisition of Sporting Index. In September 2025, the CMA prohibited this merger for a second time after its original prohibition in November 2024 was remitted back to it to reconsider due to evidential failings. The parties have been critical of the CMA's approach in light of the current growth climate, and have now launched a further appeal.