Part 4C22C23C24C25C26C27C28C29C30C32C31C41C40C34C42C35C38C37C36C39C43F1Market Studies and Market Investigations

Annotations:
Amendments (Textual)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C22

Pt. 4 (ss. 131-184) modified (20.6.2003) by 1988 c. 41, Sch. 7 para. 20(5)-(8) (as substituted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 185, 279, Sch. 11 para. 11(3); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8)

C23

Pt. 4 (ss. 131-184) modified (20.6.2003) by S.I. 1996/275 (N.I. 2), art. 23(2A)(2B) (as substituted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 168(9), 279, Sch. 9 para. 22(2)); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch.

C24

Pt. 4 (ss. 131-184) modified (20.6.2003) by 1993 c. 43, s. 67(2A)(2B) (as substituted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 168(9), 279, Sch. 9 para. 21(2)); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch.

C25

Pt. 4 (ss. 131-184) modified (20.6.2003) by S.I. 1992/231 (N.I. 1), art. 46(2A)(2B) (as substituted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 168(9), 279, Sch. 9 para. 20(2)); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch.

C26

Pt. 4 (ss. 131-184) modified (20.6.2003) by 1991 c. 56, s. 31(4) (as substituted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 168(9), 279, Sch. 9 para. 19(3)); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch.

C27

Pt. 4 (ss. 131-184) modified (20.6.2003) by 1991 c. 56, s. 31(2A) (as substituted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 168(9), 279, Sch. 9 para. 19(2)); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch.

C28

Pt. 4 (ss. 131-184) modified (20.6.2003) by 1984 c. 12, s. 50(2B) (as substituted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 168(9), 279, Sch. 9 para. 16(2)); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch.

C29

Pt. 4 (ss. 131-184) modified (20.6.2003) by 1989 c. 29, s. 43(2B) (as substituted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 168(9), 279, Sch. 9 para. 18(2)); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch.

Pt. 4 (ss. 131-184) modified (25.7.2003 for certain purposes and 29.12.2003 for certain purposes) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 370(3), 411(2)(3) (with transitional provisions in Sch. 18); S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), 3(1), Sch. 1 (with arts. 3-6 (as amended (8.12.2003) by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(2)

Pt. 4 (ss. 131-184) modified (N.I.) (1.4.2007) by The Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/3336 (N.I. 21)), arts. 1(2)(3), 29(4) (with arts. 8(9), 121, 307); S.R. 2007/194, art. 2(2), Sch. 1 Pt. 2 (with Sch. 2)

C31

Pt. 4 functions made exercisable concurrently (6.4.2013) by Civil Aviation Act 2012 (c. 19), ss. 60(2), 110(1) (with s. 77(1)-(3), Sch. 10 paras. 12, 17); S.I. 2013/589, art. 2(1)-(3)

C35

Pt. 4 certain functions made exercisable concurrently (1.4.2014) by Financial Services (Banking Reform) Act 2013 (c. 33), s. 59(1)-(5), 148(5); S.I. 2014/823, art.

C43

Pt. 4: certain functions made exercisable concurrently (26.12.2023) by Energy Act 2023 (c. 52), ss. 36(1)-(3), 334(3)(a) (with s. 38)

C41C40C34C42C35C38C37C36C39Chapter 3Enforcement

Undertakings and orders

154 Undertakings in lieu of market investigation references

1

Subsection (2) applies if the F40CMA considers that it has the power to make a reference under section 131 and otherwise intends to make such a reference.

2

The F40CMA may, instead of making such a reference and for the purpose of remedying, mitigating or preventing—

a

any adverse effect on competition concerned; or

b

any detrimental effect on customers so far as it has resulted from, or may be expected to result from, the adverse effect on competition;

accept, from such persons as it considers appropriate, undertakings to take such action as it considers appropriate.

3

In proceeding under subsection (2), the F40CMA shall, in particular, have regard to the need to achieve as comprehensive a solution as is reasonable and practicable to the adverse effect on competition concerned and any detrimental effects on customers so far as resulting from the adverse effect on competition.

4

In proceeding under subsection (2), the F40CMA may, in particular, have regard to the effect of any action on any relevant customer benefits of the feature or features of the market F39or markets concerned.

5

The F40CMA shall take no action under subsection (2) to remedy, mitigate or prevent any detrimental effect on customers so far as it may be expected to result from the adverse effect on competition concerned if—

a

no detrimental effect on customers has resulted from the adverse effect on competition; and

b

the adverse effect on competition is not being remedied, mitigated or prevented.

6

An undertaking under this section—

a

shall come into force when accepted;

b

may be varied or superseded by another undertaking; and

c

may be released by the F40CMA.

7

The F40CMA shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, consider any representations received by it in relation to varying or releasing an undertaking under this section.

8

This section is subject to sections 150 and 155.

155 Undertakings in lieu: procedural requirements

1

Before accepting an undertaking under section 154 (other than an undertaking under that section which varies an undertaking under that section but not in any material respect), the F42CMA shall—

a

publish notice of the proposed undertaking; and

b

consider any representations made in accordance with the notice and not withdrawn.

2

A notice under subsection (1) shall state—

a

that the F42CMA proposes to accept the undertaking;

b

the purpose and effect of the undertaking;

c

the situation that the undertaking is seeking to deal with;

d

any other facts which the F42CMA considers justify the acceptance of the undertaking;

e

a means of gaining access to an accurate version of the proposed undertaking at all reasonable times; and

f

the period (not less than 15 days starting with the date of publication of the notice) within which representations may be made in relation to the proposed undertaking.

3

The matters to be included in a notice under subsection (1) by virtue of subsection (2) shall, in particular, include—

a

the terms of the reference under section 131 which the F42CMA considers that it has power to make and which it otherwise intends to make F41or (but for the effect of section 140A(3)) it would have had power to make and which it would otherwise have intended to make; and

b

the adverse effect on competition, and any detrimental effect on customers so far as resulting from the adverse effect on competition, which the F42CMA has identified.

4

The F42CMA shall not accept the undertaking with modifications unless it—

a

publishes notice of the proposed modifications; and

b

considers any representations made in accordance with the notice and not withdrawn.

5

A notice under subsection (4) shall state—

a

the proposed modifications;

b

the reasons for them; and

c

the period (not less than 7 days starting with the date of the publication of the notice under subsection (4)) within which representations may be made in relation to the proposed modifications.

6

If, after publishing notice under subsection (1) or (4), the F43CMA decides—

a

not to accept the undertaking concerned; and

b

not to proceed by virtue of subsection (8) or (9);

it shall publish notice of that decision.

7

As soon as practicable after accepting an undertaking to which this section applies, the F43CMA shall—

a

serve a copy of the undertaking on any person by whom it is given; and

b

publish the undertaking.

8

The requirements of subsection (4) (and those of subsection (1)) shall not apply if the F43CMA

a

has already published notice under subsection (1) but not subsection (4) in relation to the proposed undertaking; and

b

considers that the modifications which are now being proposed are not material in any respect.

9

The requirements of subsection (4) (and those of subsection (1)) shall not apply if the F43CMA

a

has already published notice under subsections (1) and (4) in relation to the matter concerned; and

b

considers that the further modifications which are now being proposed do not differ in any material respect from the modifications in relation to which notice was last given under subsection (4).

10

Paragraphs 6 to 8 (but not paragraph 9) of Schedule 10 (procedural requirements before terminating undertakings) shall apply in relation to the proposed release of undertakings under section 154 (other than in connection with accepting an undertaking under that section which varies or supersedes an undertaking under that section) as they apply in relation to the proposed release of undertakings under section 73.

156 Effect of undertakings under section 154

F44A1

No market investigation reference shall be made by the CMA or the appropriate Minister in relation to any feature, or combination of features, of a market in the United Kingdom for goods or services if—

a

the CMA has accepted an undertaking or group of undertakings under section 154 within the previous 12 months;

b

the feature or combination of features to which the undertaking or group of undertakings relates is the same as the feature or combination of features to which the reference would relate; and

c

the goods or services to which the undertaking or group of undertakings relates are of the same description as the goods or services to which the reference would relate.

1

No F47ordinary reference shall be made by the F46CMA or the appropriate Minister in relation to any feature, or combination of features, of a market in the United Kingdom for goods or services if—

a

the F46CMA hasF48, instead of making an ordinary reference, accepted an undertaking or group of undertakings under section 154 within the previous 12 months; and

b

the goods or services to which the undertaking or group of undertakings relates are of the same description as the goods or services to which F49the reference would relate.

2

F50Subsections (A1) and (1) do not prevent the making of a market investigation reference if—

a

the F46CMA considers that any undertaking concerned has been breached and has given notice of that fact to the person responsible for giving the undertaking; or

b

the person responsible for giving any undertaking concerned supplied, in connection with the matter, information to the F46CMA which was false or misleading in a material respect.

F453

The expiry of the period mentioned in section 131B(4) does not prevent the making of a market investigation reference if the CMA has accepted an undertaking or group of undertakings under section 154 and—

a

the CMA considers that any undertaking concerned has been breached and has given notice of that fact to the person responsible for giving the undertaking; or

b

the person responsible for giving any undertaking concerned supplied, in connection with the matter, information to the OFT which was false or misleading in a material respect.

157 Interim undertakings: Part 4

1

Subsection (2) applies where—

a

a market investigation reference has been made;

b

a report has been published under section 136 within the period permitted by section 137 or (as the case may be) a report prepared under section 142 and given to the Secretary of State under section 143(3) F53or (as the case may be) 143A(3) within the period permitted by section 144 has been published; and

c

the market investigation reference concerned is not finally determined.

2

The relevant authority may, for the purpose of preventing pre-emptive action, accept, from such persons as the relevant authority considers appropriate, undertakings to take such action as the relevant authority considers appropriate.

F512A

Subsection (2B) applies where—

a

subsection (1)(a) to (c) applies; and

b

the relevant authority has reasonable grounds for suspecting that pre-emptive action has or may have been taken.

2B

The relevant authority may, for the purpose of restoring the position to what it would have been had the pre-emptive action not been taken or otherwise for the purpose of mitigating its effects, accept, from such persons as the relevant authority considers appropriate, undertakings to take such action as the relevant authority considers appropriate.

F522C

A person may, with the consent of the relevant authority, take action of a particular description where the action would otherwise constitute a contravention of an undertaking accepted under this section.

3

An undertaking under this section—

a

shall come into force when accepted;

b

may be varied or superseded by another undertaking; and

c

may be released by the relevant authority.

4

An undertaking under this section shall, if it has not previously ceased to be in force, cease to be in force when the market investigation reference is finally determined.

5

The relevant authority shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, consider any representations received by the relevant authority in relation to varying or releasing an undertaking under this section.

6

In this section and section 158—

  • pre-emptive action” means action which might impede the taking of any action under section 138(2)F54 , 147(2) or (as the case may be) 147A(2) in relation to the market investigation reference concerned; and

  • F55the relevant authority” means—

    1. a

      in the case of a restricted PI reference or a full PI reference, the Secretary of State;

    2. b

      in any other case, the CMA.

158 Interim orders: Part 4

1

Subsection (2) applies where—

a

a market investigation reference has been made;

b

a report has been published under section 136 within the period permitted by section 137 or (as the case may be) a report prepared under section 142 and given to the Secretary of State under section 143(3) F58or (as the case may be) 143A(3) within the period permitted by section 144 has been published; and

c

the market investigation reference concerned is not finally determined.

2

The relevant authority may by order, for the purpose of preventing pre-emptive action—

a

prohibit or restrict the doing of things which the relevant authority considers would constitute pre-emptive action;

b

impose on any person concerned obligations as to the carrying on of any activities or the safeguarding of any assets;

c

provide for the carrying on of any activities or the safeguarding of any assets either by the appointment of a person to conduct or supervise the conduct of any activities (on such terms and with such powers as may be specified or described in the order) or in any other manner;

d

do anything which may be done by virtue of paragraph 19 of Schedule 8.

F562A

Subsection (2B) applies where—

a

subsection (1)(a) to (c) applies; and

b

the relevant authority has reasonable grounds for suspecting that pre-emptive action has or may have been taken.

2B

The relevant authority may by order, for the purpose of restoring the position to what it would have been had the pre-emptive action not been taken or otherwise for the purpose of mitigating its effects—

a

do anything mentioned in subsection (2)(b) to (d);

b

impose such other obligations, prohibitions or restrictions as it considers appropriate for that purpose.

F572C

A person may, with the consent of the relevant authority, take action of a particular description where the action would otherwise constitute a contravention of an undertaking accepted under this section.

3

An order under this section—

a

shall come into force at such time as is determined by or under the order; and

b

may be varied or revoked by another order.

4

An order under this section shall, if it has not previously ceased to be in force, cease to be in force when the market investigation reference is finally determined.

5

The relevant authority shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, consider any representations received by the relevant authority in relation to varying or revoking an order under this section.

159 Final undertakings: Part 4

1

The F59CMA may, in accordance with section 138, accept, from such persons as it considers appropriate, undertakings to take action specified or described in the undertakings.

2

The Secretary of State may, in accordance with section 147 F60or (as the case may be) 147A, accept, from such persons as he considers appropriate, undertakings to take action specified or described in the undertakings.

3

An undertaking under this section shall come into force when accepted.

4

An undertaking under subsection (1) or (2) may be varied or superseded by another undertaking under that subsection.

5

An undertaking under subsection (1) may be released by the F61CMA and an undertaking under subsection (2) may be released by the Secretary of State.

6

The F62CMA or (as the case may be) the Secretary of State shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, consider any representations received by it or (as the case may be) him in relation to varying or releasing an undertaking under this section.

160 Order-making power where final undertakings not fulfilled: Part 4

1

Subsection (2) applies where the relevant authority considers that—

a

an undertaking accepted by the relevant authority under section 159 has not been, is not being or will not be fulfilled; or

b

in relation to an undertaking accepted by the relevant authority under that section, information which was false or misleading in a material respect was given to F64a relevant person by the person giving the undertaking before the relevant authority decided to accept the undertaking.

F631A

In subsection (1), a “relevant person” means—

a

in a case where the relevant authority is the CMA, the CMA;

b

in a case where the relevant authority is the Secretary of State, the Secretary of State or the CMA.

2

The relevant authority may, for any of the purposes mentioned in section 138(2)F65, 147(2) or (as the case may be) 147A(2), make an order under this section.

3

Subsections (3) to (6) of section 138 F66or 147 or (as the case may be) subsections (3) and (4) of section 147A shall apply for the purposes of subsection (2) above as they apply for the purposes of that section.

4

An order under this section may contain—

C1C2C3C4C5a

anything permitted by Schedule 8; and

b

such supplementary, consequential or incidental provision as the relevant authority considers appropriate.

5

An order under this section—

a

shall come into force at such time as is determined by or under the order;

b

may contain provision which is different from the provision contained in the undertaking concerned; and

c

may be varied or revoked by another order.

6

F67The Secretary of State shall not vary or revoke an order made by him under this section unless the CMA advises that such a variation or revocation is appropriate by reason of a change of circumstances.

7

In this section “the relevant authority” means—

a

in the case of an undertaking accepted under section 159 by the F68CMA, the F68CMA; and

b

in the case of an undertaking accepted under that section by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of State.

161 Final orders: Part 4

1

The F70CMA may, in accordance with section 138, make an order under this section.

2

The Secretary of State may, in accordance with section 147 F71or (as the case may be) 147A, make an order under this section.

3

An order under this section may contain—

C6C7C8C9C10a

anything permitted by Schedule 8; and

b

such supplementary, consequential or incidental provision as the person making it considers appropriate.

4

An order under this section—

a

shall come into force at such time as is determined by or under the order; and

b

may be varied or revoked by another order.

C335

F69The Secretary of State shall not vary or revoke an order made by him under this section unless the CMA advises that such a variation or revocation is appropriate by reason of a change of circumstances.

F2Undertakings and orders: monitoring, consultation and advice

Annotations:
Amendments (Textual)
F2

S. 162 cross-heading substituted (1.4.2014) by Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), s. 103(3), Sch. 5 para. 193 (with s. 28); S.I. 2014/416, art. 2(1)(d) (with Sch.)

162 Duty of F3CMA to monitor undertakings and orders: Part 4

C11C12C131

The F13CMA shall keep under review the carrying out of any enforcement undertaking or any enforcement order.

2

The F13CMA shall, in particular, from time to time consider—

a

whether an enforcement undertaking or enforcement order has been or is being complied with;

b

whether, by reason of any change of circumstances, an enforcement undertaking is no longer appropriate and—

i

one or more of the parties to it can be released from it; or

ii

it needs to be varied or to be superseded by a new enforcement undertaking; and

c

whether, by reason of any change of circumstances, an enforcement order is no longer appropriate and needs to be varied or revoked.

3

The F14CMA shall give F15... the Secretary of State such advice as it considers appropriate in relation to—

a

any possible variation or release by F16...the Secretary of State of an enforcement undertaking accepted by F17... him;

b

any possible new enforcement undertaking to be accepted by F25... the Secretary of State so as to supersede another enforcement undertaking given to F25... the Secretary of State;

c

any possible variation or revocation by F25... the Secretary of State of an enforcement order made by F25... the Secretary of State;

d

any possible enforcement undertaking to be accepted by F25... the Secretary of State instead of an enforcement order or any possible enforcement order to be made by F25... the Secretary of State instead of an enforcement undertaking; or

e

the enforcement by virtue of section F18167(6) and (7) of any enforcement undertaking or enforcement order.

4

The F19CMA shall take such action as it considers appropriate in relation to—

a

any possible variation or release by it of an undertaking accepted by it under section 154;

b

any possible new undertaking to be accepted by it under section 154 so as to supersede another undertaking given to it under that section;

F20ba

any possible variation or release by it of an enforcement undertaking accepted by it;

bb

any possible new enforcement undertaking to be accepted by it so as to supersede another enforcement undertaking given to it;

bc

any possible variation or revocation by it of an enforcement order made by it;

bd

any possible enforcement undertaking to be accepted by it instead of an enforcement order or any possible enforcement order to be made by it instead of an enforcement undertaking; or

c

the enforcement by it by virtue of section 167(6) of any enforcement undertaking or enforcement order.

5

The F21CMA shall keep under review the effectiveness of enforcement undertakings accepted under this Part and enforcement orders made under this Part.

6

The F21CMA shall, whenever requested to do so by the Secretary of State and otherwise from time to time, prepare a report of its findings under subsection (5).

7

The F22CMA shall—

F23a

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

b

give a copy of the report to the Secretary of State; and

c

publish F24any report prepared by it under subsection (6).

8

In this Part—

  • enforcement order” means an order made under section 158, 160 or 161; and

  • enforcement undertaking” means an undertaking accepted under section 154, 157 or 159.

163F4Role of CMA in relation to undertakings and orders in public interest cases: Part 4

1

Subsections (2) and (3) apply where F26... the Secretary of State F27... is considering whether to accept undertakings under section 157 or 159.

2

The F28Secretary of State may require the F29CMA to consult with such persons as the F28Secretary of State considers appropriate with a view to discovering whether they will offer undertakings which the F28Secretary of State would be prepared to accept under section 157 or (as the case may be) 159.

3

The F30Secretary of State may require the F31CMA to report to the F30Secretary of State on the outcome of the F32CMA's consultations within such period as the F30Secretary of State may require.

4

A report under subsection (3) shall, in particular, contain advice from the F33CMA as to whether any undertakings offered should be accepted by the F34Secretary of State under section 157 or (as the case may be) 159.

5

The powers conferred on the F35Secretary of State by subsections (1) to (4) are without prejudice to the power of the F35Secretary of State to consult the persons concerned F36....

6

If asked by the F37Secretary of State for advice in relation to the taking of enforcement action (whether or not by way of undertakings) in a particular case, the F38CMA shall give such advice as it considers appropriate.

Supplementary

164 Enforcement undertakings and orders under this Part: general provisions

C14C15C16C17C181

The provision which may be contained in an enforcement undertaking is not limited to the provision which is permitted by Schedule 8.

2

The following enactments in Part 3 shall apply in relation to enforcement orders under this Part as they apply in relation to enforcement orders under that Part—

a

section 86(1) to (5) (enforcement orders: general provisions); and

b

section 87 (power of directions conferred by enforcement order).

3

An enforcement order under section 160 or 161 or any explanatory material accompanying the order shall state—

a

the actions that the persons or description of persons to whom the order is addressed must do or (as the case may be) refrain from doing;

b

the date on which the order comes into force;

c

the possible consequences of not complying with the order; and

d

the section of this Part under which a review can be sought in relation to the order.

165 Procedural requirements for certain undertakings and orders: Part 4

Schedule 10 (procedural requirements for certain undertakings and orders), other than paragraph 9 of that Schedule, shall apply in relation to undertakings under section 159 and orders under section 160 or 161 as it applies in relation to undertakings under section 82 and orders under section 83 or 84.

166 Register of undertakings and orders: Part 4

1

The F6CMA shall compile and maintain a register for the purposes of this Part.

2

The register shall be kept in such form as the F6CMA considers appropriate.

C19C20C213

The F5CMA shall ensure that the following matters are entered in the register—

a

the provisions of any enforcement undertaking accepted by virtue of this Part F7...;

b

the provisions of any enforcement order made by virtue of this Part F8...; and

c

the details of any variation, release or revocation of such an undertaking or order.

4

The duty in subsection (3) does not extend to anything of which the F9CMA is unaware.

5

The F10... Secretary of State and any relevant sectoral regulator shall inform the F11CMA of any matters which are to be included in the register by virtue of subsection (3) and which relate to enforcement undertakings accepted by them or enforcement orders made by them.

6

The F12CMA shall ensure that the contents of the register are available to the public—

a

during (as a minimum) such hours as may be specified in an order made by the Secretary of State; and

b

subject to such reasonable fees (if any) as the F12CMA may determine.

7

If requested by any person to do so and subject to such reasonable fees (if any) as the F12CMA may determine, the F12CMA shall supply the person concerned with a copy (certified to be true) of the register or of an extract from it.

167 Rights to enforce undertakings and orders under this Part

1

This section applies to any enforcement undertaking or enforcement order.

2

Any person to whom such an undertaking or order relates shall have a duty to comply with it.

3

The duty shall be owed to any person who may be affected by a contravention of the undertaking or (as the case may be) order.

4

Any breach of the duty which causes such a person to sustain loss or damage shall be actionable by him.

5

In any proceedings brought under subsection (4) against a person to whom an enforcement undertaking or enforcement order relates it shall be a defence for that person to show that he took all reasonable steps and exercised all due diligence to avoid contravening the undertaking or (as the case may be) order.

6

Compliance with an enforcement undertaking or an enforcement order shall also be enforceable by civil proceedings brought by the F72CMA for an injunction or for interdict or for any other appropriate relief or remedy.

7

Compliance with an undertaking accepted F73by the Secretary of State under section 157 or 159, or an order F74made by the Secretary of State under section 158, 160 or 161, shall also be enforceable by civil proceedings brought by the F75Secretary of State for an injunction or for interdict or for any other appropriate relief or remedy.

F768

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9

Subsections F77(6) and (7) shall not prejudice any right that a person may have by virtue of subsection (4) to bring civil proceedings for contravention or apprehended contravention of an enforcement undertaking or an enforcement order.