UK's principal competition regulator, shaping markets and protecting consumers
The CMA has cleared the €1bn Danone acquisition of Huel after a preliminary inquiry, with Danone saying the move will help growth in nutrition and international expansion for Huel. The deal values Huel at around €1bn and follows a series of branding and regulatory notes, including prior advertising scrutiny.
Shein's Hong Kong listing is priced lower than hoped, valuing the company around $26.3 billion. Trading began shakily, with early losses narrowing as markets digest regulatory twists, tax changes, and weak consumer sentiment that have weighed on the fast-fashion group after a rapid ascent.
The government has launched a programme to help households find trusted tradespeople, protect their funds, and curb rogue builders. Starting September, registered firms will meet a code for service, transparency and disputes. A milestone-based payment system will release funds as work progresses. Independent oversight will also govern private bailiffs amid concerns over enforcement practices.
Oasis has announced a new reunion tour with fixed UK ticket prices and a register-to-access sale window following CMA findings on ticketing practices. The band’s management says pricing rests with promoters, while authorities push for greater transparency to protect fans.
The government has announced reforms to require airlines to seat children under 14 next to a parent free of charge and to allow free corrections of booking names. The Civil Aviation Bill is expected to deliver these changes after Royal Assent, with aims to curb petty charges and bring uniform rights across carriers.
BT has agreed to acquire TalkTalk and its wholesale unit PXC on a debt‑free basis, costing about 400 million pounds. The move is framed as safeguarding 2.5 million TalkTalk customers and critical national infrastructure, while navigating an ongoing regulatory review after the deal was announced by BT and under government intervention. TalkTalk’s revenue stands at around 1.2 billion pounds last year, but the company has incurred losses and reduced its consumer base, now around 1.5 million retail customers.
The Guardian and Reuters report that Sainsbury’s has walked away from talks with Morrisons over a multibillion-pound merger. The CMA’s latest stance on Aldi and Lidl shelves shifts could influence future deals, with analysts noting Sainsbury’s could snap up a rival without triggering immediate competition concerns. Talks remain open to restart in the future.
UK forecourts will display locations and pricing via the government Fuel Finder on Google Maps from today. Ministers say motorists can save on pump prices as prices rise globally amid the Middle East war; AA and CMA warn data accuracy and coverage remain uneven.