Consumer Protection

Macquarie / La Caisse / Maple Merger Notification M.12368

The European Commission received notification on 20 March 2026 of a proposed concentration in which Macquarie Group (Australia) and La Caisse / Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (Canada) would jointly acquire control of Maple Infrastructure entities (India). The transaction involves road concession assets in India and would be assessed under the EU Merger Regulation (Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004). The Commission has designated the case as a candidate for the simplified procedure and invites interested third parties to submit observations within 10 days of this publication. The final decision on whether the transaction falls within the scope of the Merger Regulation is expressly reserved.

8 EC Merger Cases - Land Transportation Sector (H.52.21)

The European Commission's competition case database lists 8 finalized merger cases under NACE Rev. 2.1 sector H.52.21 (service activities incidental to land transportation), all decided under the super-simplified procedure pursuant to Council Regulation 139/2004. Cases include MACQUARIE GROUP/LA CAISSE/MAPLE (M.12368, decided 17.04.2026), I SQUARED/RAMUDDEN (M.12318, decided 12.03.2026), CIMIC GROUP/SOJITZ/UGL RAIL SERVICES (M.12204, decided 08.12.2025), and BESTINVER/TAGES/IP/IPLANET HOLDING (M.12197, decided 25.11.2025). This is a compilation search results page; individual cases carry separate compliance and filing obligations for the parties involved.

Macquarie Group / La Caisse / Maple Merger Cleared Under EU Merger Regulation

The European Commission cleared the proposed merger between Macquarie Group, La Caisse, and Maple under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation 139/2004 on 17 April 2026. The notification was submitted on 20 March 2026, with a provisional deadline of 29 April 2026. The concentration involves economic activities classified under NACE Rev. 2.1 code H.52.21 (service activities incidental to land transportation). The Commission found no grounds to oppose the transaction, which was published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Macquarie Group Acquisition of Maple Infra Investment Manager

MAIF 4 Investments India 2 Pte. Ltd. (MAIF4 India 2), a Singapore vehicle ultimately controlled by Macquarie Group Limited, will acquire a jointly controlling interest in Maple Infra InvIT Investment Manager Private Limited, Maple Highway Project Management Private Limited (together with Maple Trust, 'Maple'), and up to 37.5% of units in Maple Trust. Following the proposed transaction, MAIF4 India 2 will jointly control Maple together with CDPQ Infrastructures Asia III Inc., within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) EUMR. Maple, currently ultimately controlled by La Caisse, owns and operates road concessions in India through special purpose vehicles and has no activities in the EEA.

PA Gaming Revenue $602.4M, Up 4.85% Year-Over-Year in March 2026

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board reported combined gaming revenue of $602,399,907 for March 2026, representing a 4.85% increase over March 2025 revenue of $574,534,002. The resulting tax revenue generated was $259,240,523. Sports wagering revenue saw the largest growth at 77.07% year-over-year, while iGaming slots revenue increased 12.18% and retail slots revenue decreased 2.83%.

H.I.G. Capital Acquires Aviation Cosmetics Malta

H.I.G. Capital, LLC (USA) through IAC Malta Limited filed a notification of concentration with the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority on April 15, 2026, for the acquisition of Aviation Cosmetics Malta Limited's business and assets. Aviation Cosmetics Malta specialises in aircraft exterior painting services for commercial airlines and aviation leasing companies at Safi Aviation Park, Malta. The Director General of the Office for Competition invites interested third parties to submit written objections within seven days of publication.

Case M.12314 - BioMarin Pharmaceutical / Amicus Therapeutics Merger Approved

The European Commission approved the proposed acquisition of Amicus Therapeutics Inc. by BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. Both companies are US-based global biotechnology firms focused on therapies for rare genetic diseases — BioMarin on CLN2 (Batten) disease and Morquio A syndrome; Amicus on Fabry disease and Pompe disease. The Commission declared the notified operation compatible with the internal market and the EEA Agreement, adopting the simplified treatment procedure under paragraph 5(c) of the Notice on simplified treatment. The decision was signed by Linsey McCallum, Director-General (acting) of DG Competition.

GIM / TCR Merger Cleared by European Commission

The European Commission cleared Global Infrastructure Management, LLC (GIM) acquiring sole control of TCR Group under Article 6(1)(b) of the EU Merger Regulation, declaring the operation compatible with the internal market and the EEA Agreement. GIM, a US infrastructure investor ultimately controlled by BlackRock, Inc., acquired TCR, a Belgian full-service ground support equipment leasing company controlled by 3i Group plc. The Commission processed the notification under the simplified treatment procedure and issued its decision on April 15, 2026.

Unfair Food Delivery Fees Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

The FTC has issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) under Project No. P267101 to examine whether to propose rules addressing unfair or deceptive acts and practices relating to fees and charges for food and grocery items ordered through online delivery platforms. The ANPRM seeks public comment on hidden fees, price markups, misleading 'free delivery' claims, and other potentially deceptive pricing practices. Comments are due May 18, 2026.

FTC Proposed Consent Order for Publishing.com and Mikkelsen Individuals

The FTC has accepted a proposed consent agreement with Publishing.com LLC and individuals Christian Mikkelsen and Rasmus Mikkelsen to settle allegations of deceptive marketing practices. The complaint alleges violations of FTC Act Section 5 for making false earnings claims about self-publishing programs, misrepresenting refund policies, and using deceptive testimonials. The proposed order includes prohibitions on unsubstantiated earnings claims, refund policy misrepresentations, and misleading testimonials. Public comments are requested by May 18, 2026.

Alphabet - Article 6(11) Preliminary Findings on Search Data Access

The European Commission published preliminary findings on 16 April 2026 under Article 8(5) of the Digital Markets Act (Regulation 2022/1925), concluding that Alphabet has failed to comply with Article 6(11) obligations to provide access to search data. This follows the Commission's decision to open proceedings on 27 January 2026 under Article 8(2). The case concerns Alphabet's online search engine as a designated core platform service. Decision texts were published on 17 April 2026 alongside press communication IP_26_825.

Extensification Scheme for Dutch Dairy Farming Not State Aid

The European Commission issued Decision SA.119985 finding that the Netherlands' extensification scheme for dairy farming does not constitute state aid within the meaning of Article 107(1) TFEU. The scheme, based on Agricultural Guidelines 2023 with legal basis Article 107(3)(c) TFEU, was notified on 19 February 2026 and approved to run until 31 May 2031. This negative finding means the scheme may proceed without triggering full state aid notification and approval requirements under EU competition law.

Alphabet DMA Article 6(11) Google Search Data Sharing Preliminary Findings

The European Commission published preliminary findings on measures Alphabet must implement to comply with its DMA Article 6(11) obligation to share anonymised online search data with third-party search engines. The proposed measures cover five areas: eligibility criteria for data recipients, data scope (query, view, click, and ranking data), anonymisation requirements (technical and contractual), FRAND pricing terms (incremental cost-based), and processes for data acquisition and testing. The consultation period runs until the measures are finalised following feedback from interested parties and Alphabet.

Alphabet Inc. DMA Cases Search Results - 14 Cases

The European Commission Competition Cases database lists 14 Digital Markets Act cases involving Alphabet Inc., spanning from September 2023 to April 2026. Cases cover core platform services including online search engines, app stores, operating systems, and online advertising services. Legal basis across all cases is DMA – Regulation 2022/1925. Cases include designation decisions, decisions to open proceedings based on Articles 8(2), 20, and 29, and preliminary findings under Article 8(5).

IAG Proposed Acquisition of RAC Insurance Requires Phase 2 Review

The ACCC has decided that IAG's proposed acquisition of RAC Insurance (RACI) requires an in-depth Phase 2 assessment because it could substantially lessen competition. RACI is WA's market leader in both motor vehicle insurance and home and contents insurance. The ACCC invites submissions in response to its Phase 2 Notice by 4 May 2026.

Austrian Raiffeisen Entities' Joint Acquisition of Business Center Muthgasse, Case M.12317

RHO NÖ-W (via Raiffeisen Immo) and RLB OÖ (via RealBestand) intend to jointly acquire the Business Center Muthgasse, an office building in Vienna, from Deka Immobilien Investment GmbH of Frankfurt, Germany. The acquiring entities will each hold 50% of the shares in the purchase vehicle and exercise joint control over the target property. The transaction constitutes a concentration under Article 3(1)(b) of the EU Merger Regulation and has been notified to the Commission for review under the simplified procedure.

Massachusetts Gaming Commission Public Meeting #585 - March 26, 2026

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has scheduled Public Meeting #585 for Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting agenda includes the Legal Division discussing several regulations: 205 CMR 250 (Protection of Minors and Underage Youth from Sports Wagering), 205 CMR 3.02 (Definitions), 205 CMR 3.28 (Prohibited Practices), and 205 CMR 3.29 (Medications and Prohibited Substances). The Commission will also hear a request from Plainridge Park Racecourse for approval of racing officials and operating personnel, a request from MGM to pay out lost wagers under 205 CMR 238.47, and a discussion on an ad hoc sports wagering study for the FY26 Research Agenda.

PlayWell Replaces GameSense as Massachusetts Responsible Gaming Program

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission announced the launch of PlayWell, a rebranded responsible gaming and player health program that replaces GameSense, effective March 27, 2026. PlayWell Hubs will open at every Massachusetts casino property and will also be available online and over the phone, with program administration managed by the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health. Patrons can access game rules guides, speak with trained advisors, or enroll in the voluntary self-exclusion program at PlayWell Hubs.

Jordan Maynard Reappointed as MGC Commissioner and Redesignated Chair

Jordan Maynard has been reappointed as Commissioner of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for a second five-year term, effective March 25, 2026, by a joint appointment of Governor Maura Healey, Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, and Treasurer and Receiver General Deborah Goldberg. Governor Healey also redesignated Maynard as Chair of the Commission, continuing his leadership role he has held since March 2024 when he was first designated as Interim Chair and subsequently as full-time Chair in October 2024.

January 2026 Casino Revenue $91.9M, Sports Wagering $76.1M

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission reported January 2026 gross gaming revenue of approximately $91.9 million from Plainridge Park Casino, MGM Springfield, and Encore Boston Harbor, and approximately $76.1 million in taxable sports wagering revenue across seven mobile/online licensees and three in-person licensees. The Commonwealth has collected approximately $2.356 billion in total casino taxes since openings and $425.18 million in sports wagering taxes since January 2023.

Iowa February 2026 Gaming Revenue $156M, Casinos Up 7%

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission released February 2026 revenue data showing $156.0 million in combined casino and sports wagering receipts. Casino adjusted gross revenue reached $136.21 million (up 6.97% year-over-year) generating $25.72 million in state gaming taxes. Sports wagering revenue was $19.82 million (down 6.82%) with $1.34 million in state taxes. Super Bowl LX wagering totaled $17.47 million, a decline of 18.44% compared to the prior year. Currently 19 state-licensed casinos and 11 online sports betting operators are operating in Iowa.

FY2026 Horse Racing Promotion Fund Request for Proposals

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) is soliciting proposals for the FY2026 Horse Racing Promotion Fund, with $1,895.60 available. Applications must be submitted by 3:30 PM on April 9, 2026 to IRGC at 6200 Park Ave, Suite 100, Des Moines, Iowa 50321 or by email at irgc@iowa.gov. Applicants must include an affidavit stating funds will not be spent on political activity, a copy of the Iowa Secretary of State's Certificate of Existence, and a W-9. The fund is allocated under Iowa Code § 99D.12 for nonprofit organizations engaged in research, education, and marketing of horse racing in the state.

VIG / Nürnberger Merger Cleared Under Article 6(1)(b) — Case M.12343

The European Commission cleared the proposed acquisition of Nürnberger Beteiligungs-AG (Germany) by Vienna Insurance Group AG (Austria) under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004, declaring the operation compatible with the internal market and the EEA Agreement. The transaction was processed under the simplified treatment procedure for unproblematic concentrations. Both firms are engaged in life insurance, non-life insurance, and reinsurance across Central and Eastern Europe and Germany. The decision was issued on 15 April 2026 as C(2026) 2595 final.

Poste Italiane / Telecom Italia Concentration Withdrawn During Preliminary Review

Poste Italiane and Telecom Italia notified a concentration to the European Commission under Regulation 2022/2560 (Foreign Subsidies Regulation), with notification received on 10 April 2026. The parties withdrew the notification during preliminary review, with the withdrawal recorded on 15 April 2026, before the provisional review deadline of 20 May 2026. As the notification was withdrawn before the Commission completed its preliminary assessment, no substantive review of the concentration occurred and no Commission decision on the merits was issued.

PA Gaming Control Board Fines BetMGM $100,000 and Places 16 on Exclusion Lists

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board approved a $100,000 fine against BetMGM, LLC for insufficient fraud prevention and Know-Your-Customer procedures on its BetMGM and Borgata wagering platforms. The consent agreement identified four fraud rings operating between 19-34 months, collectively creating over 2,000 accounts using stolen personal identifying information and wagers exceeding $2 million. The Board also placed 16 individuals on various Involuntary Exclusion Lists, including four adults who left minors unattended at casino properties, bringing the total number of individuals on exclusion lists to 1,515.

Gaming Revenue $547M, Up 14.6% in February

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board reported February 2026 combined gaming revenue of $547,103,943, a 14.64% increase over February 2025 revenue of $477,250,631. Tax revenue generated during February 2026 totaled $236,018,507. The report breaks down revenue by casino operator (with Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course leading at $106.8M), by game type (iGaming slots up 24.11%, sports wagering up 405.59%), and includes year-over-year comparisons for slot machines and retail table games across all 17 licensed casinos and other gaming forms.

PA Gaming Control Board Launches What's Really at Stake Underage Gambling Awareness Campaign

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has launched the 'What's Really at Stake' underage gambling awareness campaign, coinciding with Problem Gambling Awareness Month in March and the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship. The campaign provides free resources including social media posts, online advertising, a dedicated website (WhatsReallyatStake.com), and downloadable materials for individuals, educational institutions, and counselors. The campaign addresses research showing 75% of U.S. college students gambled in the past year and 6% meet criteria for a serious gambling problem.

EC Clears Raiffeisen Merger M.12317 Under Simplified Procedure

The European Commission cleared the merger between Raiffeisen-Holding Niederösterreich-Wien, Raiffeisenlandesbank Oberösterreich, and Business Center Muthgasse under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation 139/2004 on 16 April 2026 via the simplified procedure. The transaction involves economic activities classified under NACE Rev. 2.1 code M.68.20 (Rental and operating of own or leased real estate). The case was notified on 19 March 2026 with a provisional deadline of 28 April 2026.

Rheinmetall-OHB Joint Venture Cleared for Military Satellite Communications

The Bundeskartellamt has approved the creation of a joint venture between Rheinmetall Digital GmbH (Düsseldorf) and OHB SE (Bremen) to bid for a future Bundeswehr public procurement contract for military satellite communications. President Andreas Mundt stated that the two companies operate in different sectors, combining complementary expertise as a consortium, with no competition concerns arising from the joint venture's creation.

Rheinische Post Clears Takeover of Westfälische Nachrichten, Westfalen-Blatt

The Bundeskartellamt cleared Rheinische Post Mediengruppe GmbH's planned acquisition of Aschendorff-Verlagsgruppe (Westfälische Medien Holding AG) based in Münster, determining no competition concerns exist because the parties' distribution areas do not overlap geographically. The merger involves two major German regional newspaper publishers whose portfolios serve distinct markets in the Rhineland, Lower Rhine, Münsterland, and Ostwestfalen-Lippe regions.

Economic Life Simplification Bill Increases Merger Control Thresholds

The National Assembly and Senate adopted the Economic Life Simplification Bill on 14 and 15 April 2026. Article 8 increases the thresholds triggering merger control review by the Autorité de la concurrence, while specific thresholds for French overseas territories remain unchanged. Under the revised thresholds, approximately 20–30% of currently notifiable transactions will no longer require notification, affecting around 800 companies over the 2018–2022 period. New thresholds enter into force on the first day of the fourth month following promulgation, subject to Constitutional Council validation.

French Organic Distributors Fined €12.67M for Brand Allocation Agreement

The Autorite de la concurrence fined four parties a total of 12,670,000 euros for a brand allocation agreement that lasted more than seven years. Synadis Bio (the trade association) received the largest fine of 10 million euros, followed by Greenweez at 1.85 million euros jointly with parent company Carrefour SA, ITM Entreprises at 740,000 euros jointly with Les Mousquetaires, and Les Comptoirs de la Bio at 80,000 euros. The agreement aimed to prevent organic brands from being sold in both specialist organic stores and generalist supermarket channels, thereby avoiding price comparability between distribution channels.

Enter Air Ordered to Pay PLN 8.2M Consumer Compensation

The President of UOKiK has issued a binding decision ordering Polish airline Enter Air to pay consumer compensation totalling PLN 8,234,034 for improper handling of luggage complaints, delayed baggage claims, and inadequate flight cancellation or delay settlements. The decision covers three compensation categories: PLN 170 for late complaint responses, PLN 200 for rejected delayed-luggage claims, and full statutory amounts plus a PLN 50 voucher for flight disruptions. Affected consumers will receive individual notifications from Enter Air by 24 October 2026 specifying automatic payment methods. The decision is grounded in the Montreal Convention and EU Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, and UOKiK will monitor implementation.

164 Citations in Statewide Shoulder Tap Underage Drinking Operation

ABC teamed up with 57 law enforcement agencies statewide on March 14, 2026, for a Shoulder Tap underage drinking operation that resulted in 164 total citations. 155 individuals were cited for allegedly furnishing alcohol to minors, while at least 9 others were cited for open container or other infractions. The minimum penalty for furnishing alcohol to a minor is a $1,000 fine plus 24 hours of community service.