Consumer Protection

CISAF Aid Scheme for Zero-Emission Industrial Tech Components in Catalonia

The European Commission issued a decision of 'no objections' on March 26, 2026, approving Spain's Catalonia region to operate an aid scheme for the manufacture of zero-emission industrial technology products and components. The scheme, registered as SA.121547, is administered under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) and runs until December 31, 2030, with direct grants as the aid instrument.

Italian Competition Authority Opens Investigation Into Edenred for Abuse of Dominant Position in Meal Voucher Market

The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) has opened formal investigation A578 into Edenred Italia S.r.l. and its parent company Edenred SE for alleged abuse of dominant position in the national meal voucher market, in breach of Article 102 TFEU. The Authority alleges that following introduction of a statutory cap on reimbursement fees, Edenred implemented a strategy to shift costs onto large-scale retail chains by discontinuing direct integration with retail checkout systems and requiring use of higher-cost third-party interconnection systems, along with longer voucher reimbursement periods. Inspections were conducted at Edenred's premises and those of other major meal voucher issuers and third-party interconnection providers.

DOJ Antitrust: National Cooperative Research and Production Act - Rust Foundation Membership Changes

The DOJ Antitrust Division has published a notice regarding changes to the Rust Foundation's membership under the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993. Three new members have joined, and one has withdrawn from the research venture. This notice serves to update the record and maintain the limitations on antitrust plaintiff recovery.

National Cooperative Research Act: MLCommons Association Membership Changes

The DOJ Antitrust Division has published a notice regarding changes to the membership of MLCommons Association under the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993. Several new members have been added, and two members have withdrawn from the association.

ASTM International Cooperative Research Notice

The DOJ Antitrust Division has published a notice regarding ASTM International's updated list of standards development activities. This notice is filed pursuant to the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993 to maintain limitations on antitrust plaintiff recovery to actual damages.

DOJ Notice on Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Preparedness Consortium Membership Changes

The DOJ Antitrust Division published a notice regarding changes to the membership of the Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Preparedness Consortium (BIOMAP-CONSORTIUM). The consortium filed notifications disclosing new parties added to the group research project, which is intended to extend the National Cooperative Research and Production Act's provisions limiting antitrust plaintiff recovery to actual damages.

ODVA, Inc. Membership Changes Under National Cooperative Research Act

The Antitrust Division published a notice regarding ODVA, Inc. under the National Cooperative Research and Production Act. ODVA reported changes in its membership, adding two foreign parties and removing four foreign parties from its research venture. This notice serves to maintain the limitations on antitrust damages for the venture.

1EdTech Consortium Membership Changes Under National Cooperative Research Act

The Antitrust Division has published a notice regarding changes in membership for the 1EdTech Consortium, Inc., filed under the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993. Several new members have joined, and others have withdrawn from the consortium.

National Cooperative Research Act: Cable Television Laboratories Membership Change

The DOJ Antitrust Division has published a notice regarding changes to Cable Television Laboratories, Inc.'s membership under the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993. Boycom Cablevision, Inc. has been added as a party to the venture, with no other changes to membership or planned activities.

National Cooperative Research Act Notice - Pistoia Alliance, Inc.

The Department of Justice's Antitrust Division has published a notice regarding Pistoia Alliance, Inc. under the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993. This notice serves as an informational filing related to the organization's research and production activities.

National Cooperative Research Act - TeleManagement Forum Notice

The Department of Justice's Antitrust Division has published a notice regarding the TeleManagement Forum (TM Forum) under the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993. This notice serves as a public announcement of the forum's formation and its intent to engage in research and development activities.

National Cooperative Research Act - Z-Wave Alliance, Inc. Notice

The Department of Justice's Antitrust Division published a notice regarding Z-Wave Alliance, Inc. under the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993. This notice serves as a public announcement of the alliance's formation and its stated research and production activities.

Notice Pursuant to the National Cooperative Research and Production Act - OpenGMSL Association

The Department of Justice's Antitrust Division published a notice regarding the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993 concerning the OpenGMSL Association. This notice serves as a formal announcement related to cooperative research and production activities.

DOJ Antitrust Division Notice on National Advanced Mobility Consortium Membership Changes

The Department of Justice's Antitrust Division has published a notice regarding changes in the membership of The National Advanced Mobility Consortium, Inc. (formerly Robotics Technology Consortium). This notice is filed pursuant to the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993 to extend provisions limiting antitrust plaintiff recovery to actual damages.

Notice of National Cooperative Research and Production Act Mercury Consortium

The Department of Justice's Antitrust Division published a notice regarding the Mercury Consortium under the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993. This notice serves as an informational filing for a research and production joint venture.

DOJ Antitrust Division Notice on America's Datahub Consortium

The Department of Justice's Antitrust Division has published a notice regarding the America's Datahub Consortium under the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993. This notice serves to inform the public about the formation and purpose of this consortium.

R Consortium Inc. - Membership Change Notice

The DOJ Antitrust Division published a notice regarding R Consortium, Inc. under the National Cooperative Research and Production Act. The notice discloses changes in membership, specifically the withdrawal of Oracle Corporation, Google, and Genentech, Inc. from the venture.

Notice Pursuant to the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993 - National Fire Protection Association

The Department of Justice's Antitrust Division has published a notice regarding the National Fire Protection Association's compliance with the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993. This notice serves to inform the public of the association's stated intent to engage in cooperative research and development activities.

National Cooperative Research Act - OpenJS Foundation Notice

The Department of Justice's Antitrust Division has issued a notice regarding the OpenJS Foundation under the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993. This notice serves as an informational filing related to the foundation's research and production activities.

Qteq and Chairman Fined $6 Million for Attempted Cartel Conduct

The Federal Court fined Qteq Pty Ltd $5 million and its executive chairman Simon Ashton $1 million (totalling $6 million) for attempted cartel conduct — the highest individual penalty for a competition law breach in Australia. The Court found that between 2017 and 2019, Qteq made five unsuccessful attempts to induce oil and gas services suppliers to enter into contracts containing cartel provisions including market sharing and bid rigging. A non-indemnification order prevents Mr Ashton from making insurance claims relating to his penalty, with Justice Bromwich stating the penalties would have no deterrent effect if not paid personally.

Italian Competition Authority Concludes #convieneSaperlo School Awareness Campaign 2025-2026

The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) and the Ministry for Enterprises and Made in Italy concluded the #convieneSaperlo (anche a scuola) 2025-2026 awareness campaign for schools with a final event at the Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome, attended by 450 lower and upper secondary school pupils from across Italy. At the closing event, 1,435 participating pupils competed in rapid-response quizzes, case study exercises, and head-to-head finals, with the top three schools receiving school equipment vouchers worth €10,000, €6,000, and €3,000, and individual winners receiving vouchers worth €1,500, €1,000, and €500. The competition focused on the role of the Italian Competition Authority, consumer rights, and safeguards against unfair commercial practices.

Competition Bureau Reaches Consent Agreement With Welltower on Retirement Home Acquisition

The Competition Bureau reached a consent agreement with Welltower OP LLC requiring the sale of four retirement homes to independent purchasers approved by the Commissioner of Competition, resolving concerns about Welltower's proposed acquisition of 34 retirement home properties from Amica Senior Lifestyles. A Bureau review concluded the transaction would likely result in a substantial lessening of competition in accommodation and health care services provided by licensed private pay retirement homes in British Columbia and Ontario. This is the second such agreement reached by the Bureau this month, following a similar agreement with Chartwell.

SCDCA Intervenes in Dominion Energy Rate Increase Request

The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) intervened before the Public Service Commission (PSC) to represent residential consumers as Dominion Energy South Carolina seeks approval for a 12.73% rate increase, translating to approximately $19.98 per month for the average residential electric customer. The company serves customers in 24 South Carolina counties across the Midlands to the Lowcountry, and the PSC has scheduled six public hearings in March, April, and May 2026 for consumer testimony. This marks SCDCA's third rate case intervention since June 2025, and the agency has saved residential customers more than $46 million through its PSC participation since 2018.

Glencore / FincoEnergies Merger Notification M.12300

Glencore plc proposes to acquire 70% of all issued and outstanding shares in FincoEnergies B.V., a fuel supplier and wholesaler primarily active in the Netherlands and Germany. The proposed transaction constitutes an acquisition of sole control within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the EU Merger Regulation (Case M.12300). The Commission has made the Section 4 filing information publicly available to increase transparency. No decision or Phase review timeline has been issued. The transaction requires EU merger control clearance before completion.

Glencore / Fincoenergies Merger - Case M.12300

The European Commission issued a decision under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 not to oppose the notified acquisition of Fincoenergies by Glencore. The merger was examined under the simplified procedure in Phase 1, with the decision issued on 25 March 2026 and the case notified on 3 March 2026. The concentration involves economic activities in wholesale and retail trade of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels.

Glencore / Fincoenergies Merger Cleared Under Simplified Procedure

The European Commission published search results for Glencore merger cases, with the most recent being the Glencore/Fincoenergies merger (Case M.12300), decided on 25 March 2026 under the simplified procedure pursuant to Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation 139/2004. The notification was filed on 3 March 2026 with a provisional deadline of 10 April 2026, and the investigation remains in Phase 1. The economic activities involved are G.46.81 (wholesale of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels) and G.47.3 (retail sale of automotive fuel).

Glencore / Fincoenergies Merger (M.12300) Cleared

The European Commission cleared the proposed acquisition of Fincoenergies by Glencore under Article 6(1)(b) of the EU Merger Regulation (Council Regulation 139/2004). The notification was received on 3 March 2026 and the decision was issued on 25 March 2026 under the simplified procedure, which is used for concentrations that do not raise competition concerns. The Commission's provisional deadline was 10 April 2026. Both companies operate in fuel wholesale (NACE G.46.81) and automotive fuel retail (NACE G.47.3).

EU Wholesale Fuels Merger Cases - 9 Results Under Simplified Procedure

The European Commission Competition Cases database returns 9 merger cases in the wholesale fuels sector (NACE G.46.81 - Wholesale of solid, liquid and gaseous fuels and related products). Cases include Glencore/Fincoenergies (M.12300), TotalEnergies/Repsol/HitecVision/NEO Next JV (M.12282), BMWE/RDG and RN R&M (M.12072), and SOCAR/IP (M.12218), all processed under the simplified procedure with Art. 6(1)(b) non-opposition decisions. All cases are governed by Council Regulation 139/2004. No new regulatory obligations are created; this is an informational database listing.

Glencore / Fincoenergies Merger – Case M.12300

The European Commission cleared Glencore's proposed acquisition of Fincoenergies under Article 6(1)(b) of the EU Merger Regulation using the simplified procedure, finding the transaction does not raise competition concerns. The Phase 1 decision was issued on 25 March 2026, following notification on 3 March 2026 and a provisional deadline of 10 April 2026. The decision covers economic activities in wholesale and retail trade of solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels (NACE G.46.81 and G.47.3).

Glencore/Fincoenergies Merger Notification - Simplified Procedure Candidate

The European Commission has published a prior notification of Glencore's proposed acquisition of Fincoenergies (Case M.12300), designating the case as a candidate for the simplified merger procedure under EU competition rules. Third parties with a legitimate interest may submit observations on the proposed concentration within the prescribed timeframe. The publication in the Official Journal of the European Union triggers the formal review timeline under the EU Merger Regulation.

EC Non-opposition to AUNDE Group Concentration (M.12153)

The European Commission has cleared the proposed concentration whereby AUNDE Group would acquire AUNDE C&S, AUNDE AS, and ISRINGHAUSEN OTO (Case M.12153). The Commission determined the notified operation would not raise competition concerns within the internal market. The decision was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 25 March 2026.

ADLC Clears GL Events Acquisition of Fimalac Entertainment Venues with Conditions

The Autorite de la concurrence cleared GL events' acquisition of Fimalac Entertainment's venue management activities on March 25, 2026, subject to behavioural remedies. The authority identified competition concerns in the Marne department (51), where the transaction would create a monopoly for large-capacity entertainment venues and consumer trade fair venues. GL events must submit bids offering terms no less favourable than current delegations for Capitole de Châlons-en-Champagne and Millesium d'Epernay for up to five years, and maintain an alternative outlet for event organisers until current delegation contracts expire.

OJP BJA Harold Rogers PDMP Grant Audit: Pennsylvania Department of Health

The DOJ Office of the Inspector General conducted an audit of the Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Assistance Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program grants awarded to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, located in Harrisburg, PA. The audit report (Report Number 26-036) was posted on March 24, 2026, and examines whether the recipient properly managed and accounted for federal grant funds under this program. Recipients of Bureau of Justice Assistance grants should review this report to assess their own compliance with federal grant requirements.

EC Merger Cases Involving EPH

The European Commission's merger case database lists 15 cases involving EPH (Energetický a průmyslový holding), a Czech energy company. Cases span from 2019 to 2026, covering mergers in electricity generation, transmission, distribution, and gas trading. Notable cases include M.12302 (EPH/TTE/EFG, simplified procedure, decision 24.03.2026) and M.11856 (EPH/SE, simplified procedure, decision 25.03.2025). All listed cases were reviewed under Council Regulation 139/2004.

EPH / TTE / EFG Simplified Merger Approval Under EU Regulation 139/2004

The European Commission granted simplified merger approval to EPH, TTE, and EFG under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation 139/2004 on 24 March 2026. The notified concentration involves companies operating in electric power generation, transmission and distribution, trade of electricity, distribution of gaseous fuels through mains, and trade of gas through mains. The notification was submitted on 25 February 2026 with a provisional deadline of 1 April 2026.

Freudenberg/Nilsk Foreign Subsidies Case Decision

The European Commission reviewed the Freudenberg/Nilsk concentration under Regulation 2022/2560 (Foreign Subsidies Regulation), with the notification filed on 16.02.2026 and the provisional deadline expiring on 23.03.2026. The suspension period under the FSR has now expired, meaning the parties may complete the transaction unless the Commission has issued formal objections or remedies.

State Aid for Passenger Train Maintenance Workshops in Slovakia

The European Commission issued a decision not to raise objections regarding state aid for light maintenance workshops for passenger trains operated in Žilina and Košice, Slovakia. The aid scheme was notified on 14 October 2025 and the Commission cleared it on 16 March 2026 under EU state aid rules, finding the measure compatible with the internal market. The decision applies to passenger rail transport activities classified under NACE Rev. 2.1 (H.49.1).

Apollo Funds / Lecta Foreign Subsidies Case

The European Commission's merger review under Regulation 2022/2560 on foreign subsidies concluded with the expiry of the provisional deadline and suspension period on 24.03.2026. The case concerned Apollo Funds' acquisition of Lecta, involving paper manufacturing and wholesale activities (NACE C.17.11-C.17.25, G.46.86, G.46.9). Notification was filed on 17.02.2026, and the provisional review period expired without a blocking decision recorded in the database.