UK’s principal competition regulator
Britain’s biggest housebuilders are facing a multibillion-pound class-action lawsuit after accusations they colluded on pricing, harming more than 700,000 buyers of new-build homes between 2015 and 2026. The claim seeks up to £4.5bn in compensation, with per-home payments estimated at £3,100-£6,200. The Competition Appeal Tribunal must approve the case before it proceeds.
The UK Competition and Markets Authority is consulting on rules to allow app developers to steer users away from Apple and Google’s payment systems. The move aims to boost competition by lowering platform fees and potentially passing savings to UK customers.
Culture secretary has said she is minded to intervene in the Paramount-WBD merger on public-interest grounds, triggering regulatory scrutiny by Ofcom and the CMA. A final decision has not been taken; Paramount and WBD face a response deadline, with potential timelines extending into Q3 2026.
Camra says multinationals dominate UK beer, misleading on craft credentials. CMA urged to review anti-competitive practices that squeeze independent brewers from pubs. Three leading groups defend transparency, while independent brewers warn of job risks and shrinking choice.
Sky has announced it will acquire ITV’s broadcasting and ITVX operations for £1.6bn, creating a major UK challenger to global streaming platforms. ITV Studios remains independent, and a long-term content-supply deal will see ITV Studios provide content to the merged group. Regulators will review the deal, which includes potential contingent payments based on advertising performance.
The CMA has urged the UK and devolved governments to bolster safeguards for heating oil consumers after a price spike triggered by the Middle East crisis. It finds rising wholesale costs largely explain price increases, but protections for oil users lag those for gas and electricity customers. About 1,700 orders were cancelled with some patients paying up to £350 extra; regulators plan enforcement and compensation for affected customers.
The BBC, The Scotsman and Independent report mounting energy costs amid price volatility. The government has announced VAT reductions on electricity, while CMA recommendations push regulators toward heating-oil protections and a broader shift to heat pumps and solar to shield households from price spikes.
The Competition and Markets Authority has launched a probe into private parking operator Euro Car Parks, examining whether drivers are treated fairly at petrol forecourts and during appeals. The inquiry follows a recent £473,000 fine for information requests failures; officials warn of broader concerns as nearly 48,000 tickets are issued daily in Britain.
McCormick plans a secondary London listing while retaining its primary NYSE listing after agreeing to acquire Unilever’s foods arm. The move aims to boost liquidity and capital flows amid a broader push for European listings in a quiet market.
Forecourt Eye reports a 20% rise in fuel thefts and a 48% jump in the value of stolen fuel across 550 UK forecourts in the five months since the February conflict began. Average petrol and diesel prices have reached multi-year highs, with forecourt crime expanding to include abuse and intimidation. Retailers partner with Facewatch to improve reporting.
Whey protein, a key ingredient in infant formula, has seen prices surge due to rising demand and cost pressures. Guardian reports outline how GLP-1 weight-loss drugs fuel demand, while industry analysts warn of possible price passes to consumers. Independent assesses processing differences in whey (isolate vs concentrate) and notes limited impact on overall protein intake.
Robert Bush has been jailed for 20 years at Hull Crown Court after pleading guilty to 67 offences linked to Legacy Independent Funeral Directors. Police uncovered 35 bodies and more than 100 sets of ashes stored in deplorable conditions, with victims recounting misidentified ashes, fraud, and fake funeral plans. The case has spurred calls for tighter regulation of the UK funeral industry.
The UK has cleared Paramount’s proposed takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, subject to legally binding commitments to preserve Channel 5’s independence and the UK’s editorial boundaries. The CMA and DCMS say the deal will not lessen competition and will protect UK content; a US antitrust challenge remains pending.
The CMA has provisionalised rules to stop big grocers from blocking rival stores. Aldi and Lidl are now included in the land-use restrictions, alongside Asda, Co-op, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose. Final decision expected in October.
The prime minister has accelerated plans to make subscription cancellations easier and to curb deceptive discounts as part of a wider cost‑of‑living package. The government is bringing these changes forward to January 2027 and is planning consultations on banning misleading “was” prices.
Paramount has signalled it may relocate operations if California AG Rob Bonta does not settle his antitrust lawsuit blocking the Warner Bros. Discovery merger. Ellison has outlined an October relocation plan, with potential moves to Tennessee, Texas or Georgia. Regulators in the US and UK have been watching closely as litigation and settlements shape the deal.
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.