Enterprise Act 2002

[F1 131B Market studies and the making of decisions to refer: time-limits [F2 etc] U.K.

F3 (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F3 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F3 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) Where the CMA has published a market study notice it shall, within the period of 12 months beginning with the date on which it publishes the notice, prepare and publish a report (referred to in this Part as a “market study report”) which sets out—

(a) the findings of the CMA in relation to the matter specified in the notice; and

(b) the action (if any) which the CMA proposes to take [F4 , or has taken,] in relation to the matter.

(5) In a case to which section 131A applies, the market study report shall, in particular, contain—

(a) the decision of the CMA to make a reference under section 131 in relation to the matter specified in the market study notice, the decision to accept an undertaking under [F5 section 154A instead of, or in addition to,] making such a reference or (as the case may be) the decision otherwise not to make such a reference;

(b) the CMA's reasons for the decision; and

(c) such information as the CMA considers appropriate for facilitating a proper understanding of its reasons for the decision.

(6) Where a market study report contains a decision of the CMA to make a reference under section 131 in relation to a matter, the CMA shall, at the same time as it publishes the report, make the reference.

(7) [F6 Subsections (4) to (6) are] subject to section 140A (duty of Secretary of State to refer in public interest intervention cases).

[F7 (8) Where the CMA—

(a) has published a market study notice, and

(b) has decided not to make a reference under section 131 in relation to the matter specified in the notice,

the CMA may subsequently make a reference under section 131 in relation to the matter (without first publishing a market study notice in relation to the matter) only where subsection (9) applies.

(9) This subsection applies where—

(a) the reference under section 131 is made two years or more after the publication of the market study report in relation to the market study notice, or

(b) there has been a material change in circumstances since the preparation of the report.]]

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 131A-131C inserted (25.4.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2014 in so far as not already in force) by Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), s. 103(1)(i)(3), Sch. 12 para. 2; S.I. 2014/416, art. 2(1)(d) (with Sch.)

F2 Word in s. 131B heading inserted (1.1.2025) by Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (c. 13), ss. 135(2), 339(1); S.I. 2024/1226, regs. 1(2), 2(1)(2)

F3 S. 131B(1)-(3) omitted (1.1.2025) by virtue of Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (c. 13), ss. 134(2), 339(1); S.I. 2024/1226, regs. 1(2), 2(1)(2) (with Sch. para. 6, 20)

F4 Words in s. 131B(4)(b) inserted (1.1.2025) by Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (c. 13), s. 339(1), Sch. 8 para. 2(2); S.I. 2024/1226, regs. 1(2), 2(1)(12)

F5 Words in s. 131B(5)(a) substituted (1.1.2025) by Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (c. 13), s. 339(1), Sch. 8 para. 2(3); S.I. 2024/1226, regs. 1(2), 2(1)(12)

F6 Words in s. 131B(7) substituted (1.1.2025) by Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (c. 13), ss. 135(3), 339(1); S.I. 2024/1226, regs. 1(2), 2(1)(2)

F7 S. 131B(8)(9) inserted (1.1.2025) by Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (c. 13), ss. 135(4), 339(1); S.I. 2024/1226, regs. 1(2), 2(1)(2) (with Sch. para. 7, 20)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Pt. 4 modified by 2012 c. 7, s. 73(3)(b) (as substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 189(4)(c) (with art. 3))

C2 Pt. 4 modified by 2000 c. 38, s. 86(4A) (as inserted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 154(6) (with art. 3))

C3 Pt. 4 modified (1.4.2014) by Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), s. 103(3), Sch. 4 para. 57; S.I. 2014/416, art. 2(1)(c) (with Sch.)

C4 Pt. 4 modified by 2012 c. 19, s. 60(3A) (as inserted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 197(5) (with art. 3))

C5 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.

C6 Pt. 4 modified by 1991 c. 56, s. 31(4) (as amended (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(5)(d) (with art. 3))

C7 Pt. 4 modified by 1989 c. 29, s. 43(2B) (as amended (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 65(4)(d) (with art. 3))

C8 Pt. 4 modified by 1986 c. 44, s. 36A (as amended (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 50(4)(d) (with art. 3))

C9 Pt. 4 modified by 1993 c. 43, s. 67(4)(d) (as amended (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 105(4)(d) (with art. 3))