The
Competition and Markets Authority has decided to close an investigation into
suspected infringements of Article 101 TFEU and the Chapter I prohibition by
websites that offer energy tariff comparisons in relation to paid advertising.
Ofgem
was initially handling the investigation, which it transferred to the CMA in
June 2016.
The
CMA had decided not to pursue the investigation on account of administrative
priorities. The CMA has noted that remedies imposed in the energy market
investigation aim to increase the nature and extent of competition between price
comparison websites in the energy sector.
Separately,
the CMA has launched a market study into digital comparison tools where it will
be able to investigate further the nature of competition between service providers
and comparison websites.
It
is not unusual for market investigations or similar inquiries by competition
authorities to lead to related action under competition law. The 2008 Groceries market investigation
reference by the Competition Commission prompted or coincided with competition
law interest by the OFT in certain related markets including tobacco and dairy
products.
The
CMA says that it may revisit its administrative priorities for antitrust
enforcement in light of the evidence obtained through its market study. It has also encouraged businesses to contact
the CMA if they consider that the practices of price comparison websites and
service providers are restricting competition.
CMA
statement, 6 October 2016
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