Consumer Protection

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.

Early Termination of Waiting Period Under Hart-Scott-Rodino Premerger Notification Rules

The FTC and DOJ Antitrust Division granted early termination of the Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period for multiple proposed acquisitions. The transactions listed involve mergers and acquisitions across various industries including investment management, technology, energy, manufacturing, and healthcare. Neither agency intends to take action with respect to these proposed acquisitions during the applicable waiting period.

FTC Comment Period for TruHeight Consent Order

The FTC has opened a public comment period for the TruHeight consent order (FTC-2026-0431-0001). The comment form is available on Regulations.gov for individuals and organizations to submit feedback. TruHeight is a supplement brand making growth and height-related claims. The FTC's action is part of its broader enforcement against deceptive advertising in the supplement industry. Commenters must use the Regulations.gov portal and may identify as individual, organizational, or anonymous.

Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice OJP Victim Assistance Subrecipient Monitoring Risk Assessment

The DOJ Office of the Inspector General conducted a risk assessment of the Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice's subrecipient monitoring activities for Office of Justice Programs (OJP) Victim Assistance Grants. The audit, Report Number 26-048, examined the commission's oversight of federal grant subrecipients located in Lincoln, NE. The OIG issued two recommendations to improve grant monitoring controls and compliance oversight. The full report is available as a PDF on the DOJ OIG website.

CAPVEST / TSG Merger Cleared, Case M.12380

The European Commission has issued a non-opposition decision for the notified concentration involving CAPVEST and TSG (Case M.12380). The merger has been cleared without conditions, meaning the Commission found no competition concerns requiring further investigation or remedial action. This decision, published in Official Journal C/2026/2293 on 16 April 2026, brings the merger review process to a close and the parties may proceed with completing the transaction.

CPP Investments / I Squared / Inkia Energy Merger Clearance

The European Commission has issued a non-opposition decision for the proposed merger between CPP Investments, I Squared, and Inkia Energy under Case M.12373. The Commission determined that the notified concentration would not significantly impede effective competition in the common market. The clearance allows the parties to proceed with completing the transaction without further regulatory obstacles in the EU.

Countrywide Australasia Authorized to Collectively Bargain with Suppliers

On 15 April 2026, the ACCC granted authorisation to Countrywide Australasia Limited to enable it and its members, who are independent foodservice distributors, to collectively negotiate trade terms, including price, with suppliers. The ACCC considers the authorised conduct is likely to result in minimal, if any, public detriments that are outweighed by the associated public benefits. The authorisation is granted until 7 May 2031.

National Recall Fraud Initiative - 60-Day Comment Period

CPSC has announced a National Recall Fraud Initiative and opened a 60-day comment period on how to detect and deter fraud in consumer product recalls. The effort, part of the Trump administration's broader anti-fraud strategy, seeks input from businesses, recall administrators, consumer advocates, and the public. Comments are due within 60 days of Federal Register publication and cover the scope of recall fraud, costs and impacts, detection tools, and potential Commission actions under existing authorities.

FOI Log - March 2026

The UK Serious Fraud Office published its March 2026 FOI log on 15 April 2026, containing 10 FOI request references (2026-011 through 2026-024, with gaps in numbering). Requests cover topics including anti-slavery and human trafficking policy, third-party vendor information, housing association investigations, tech company spend, software erasure processes, investigation transfers from Autonomy to Axcelerate, meetings with Global Counsel, referral handling procedures, recruitment agency usage, and investigation data. This publication provides transparency into SFO operational activities and priorities.

GCA Sponsorship Transfer from DBT to Defra Effective 1 July 2026

The Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) sponsorship will transfer from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) on 1 July 2026. The transfer implements a key recommendation from Baroness Minette Batters' Farming Profitability Review and aims to create a more joined-up approach to food supply chain fairness. The GCA will retain full independence and no changes will be made to its statutory role, enforcement powers, or the Groceries Supply Code of Practice, which remains owned by the Competition and Markets Authority.

Armenian National Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Controlled Goods to Russia

Kamo Kirakosyan, an Armenian national, pleaded guilty on April 15, 2026, to one count of conspiracy to export goods subject to the Export Administration Regulations to the Russian Federation without required licenses from the Bureau of Industry and Security. From February 2022 through August 2024, Kirakosyan acted as a straw purchaser for U.S.-origin goods used in semiconductor manufacturing, concealed end-user information from American suppliers, and facilitated a bank account in Armenia to evade sanctions. A company he conspired with was added to OFAC's Specially Designated Nationals List on February 23, 2023. Facing a maximum of five years in federal prison, Kirakosyan was charged on July 31, 2024, and extradited from Germany on August 29, 2025.

VIG / Nürnberger Insurance Concentration Under Foreign Subsidies Regulation

The European Commission has processed the VIG/Nürnberger insurance concentration under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR). The provisional deadline and suspension period under Regulation 2022/2560 expired on 15 April 2026. The concentration involves economic activities classified under NACE Rev. 2.1 code L.65 – insurance, reinsurance and pension funding, excluding compulsory social security. Notification was filed on 06 March 2026, with the review completed within the standard provisional timeframe.

GIM / TCR Merger Cleared Under Article 6(1)(b) - Super-Simplified Procedure

The European Commission cleared the GIM/TCR merger under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation 139/2004 via the super-simplified procedure. The decision was issued on 15 April 2026, following notification on 18 March 2026, with a provisional deadline of 27 April 2026. The concentration involves economic activities classified under NACE Rev. 2.1 sector H.52.23 (service activities incidental to air transportation). The case description was published in the Official Journal of the European Union (C/2026/2055) on 1 April 2026.

M.12389 GIM/TCR Merger Notification Under EU Merger Regulation

Global Infrastructure Management, LLC (GIM), a subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc., intends to acquire sole control over TCR Group, the Belgium-headquartered full-service lessor of ground support equipment to airports, airlines, and independent ground handlers globally, from current owner 3i Group plc. The Commission received the merger notification on 18 March 2026 pursuant to Article 4 of the EU Merger Regulation. The transaction affects infrastructure fund managers, ground handling companies, and aviation industry participants and triggers review under the EUMR.

VIG Acquires Nürnberger Beteiligungs-AG (M.12343)

Vienna Insurance Group AG (VIG) acquires sole control of Nürnberger Beteiligungs-AG (NÜRNBERGER) pursuant to Article 3(1)(b) of the EU Merger Regulation, via a public bid announced on 16 October 2025 and separate share purchase agreements at equivalent terms. VIG, ultimately controlled by Wiener Städtische Versicherungsverein-Vermögensverwaltung of Austria, is active in life, non-life and re-insurance with a Central and Eastern European focus; Nürnberger, based in Germany, operates in life, non-life and minor re-insurance activities. The Commission publishes the notifying parties' Section 4 Short Form CO disclosure to enhance transparency on the planned concentration.

Prior Merger Notification, Case M.12389, GIM/TCR, Simplified Procedure Candidate

The European Commission published notice in the Official Journal on 1 April 2026 of a prior merger notification for Case M.12389 involving GIM and TCR. The concentration has been designated as a candidate for the simplified procedure, which is used for straightforward cases unlikely to raise competition concerns and typically proceeds without a formal investigation phase. Third parties with a legitimate interest may submit observations to the Commission.

VIG / NÜRNBERGER Insurance Merger - Case M.12343

The European Commission issued a decision under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation 139/2004 clearing the VIG/NÜRNBERGER insurance merger on 15 April 2026. The notification was received on 18 March 2026, with a provisional deadline of 27 April 2026 under the simplified merger procedure. The concentration involves economic activities in insurance, reinsurance, and pension funding (NACE Rev. 2.1, sector L.65).

VIG/NÜRNBERGER Merger Notification Case M.12343

The European Commission has received a prior notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004, concerning the intended acquisition of NÜRNBERGER by VIG (Case M.12343). The transaction has been designated as a candidate for the simplified procedure, indicating the Commission views the case as straightforward with limited competition concerns. Parties to the transaction and third parties may submit observations to the Commission.

Liberty Global / Telefonica / Infravia Merger - EC Non-Opposition

The European Commission has issued a non-opposition decision clearing the notified concentration involving Liberty Global, Telefonica, Infravia, Netomnia and BRSK Assets (Case M.12367), allowing the merger to proceed without further investigation. The decision was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 15 April 2026 (C/2026/2302). This clearance removes the regulatory barrier and enables the parties to complete the transaction, consolidating significant broadband and telecommunications infrastructure assets across multiple European markets.

ACCC Authorises Uniting Church to Collectively Acquire Insurance for 6 Years

The ACCC issued a final determination on 15 April 2026 granting authorisation to The Uniting Church in Australia National Assembly (UCANA) and other participants under the Uniting Church in Australia National Insurance Program Co-Operation Agreement. The ACCC considered the conduct likely to result in a public benefit that would outweigh any likely public detriment. The authorisation is valid for 6 years.

SFPIM Acquires Sole Control Over Lineas Group NV

SFPIM (Société fédérale de participations et d'investissement SA), a public interest limited liability company fully owned by the Belgian State, has filed notification to acquire sole control over Lineas Group NV, a rail freight transport operator headquartered in Belgium, through share subscription. SFPIM is acting on behalf of the Belgian State under a 'delegated assignment.' Lineas is ultimately controlled by Argos Wityu, headquartered in France. The transaction is notified under Article 3(1), point (b) of the EU Merger Regulation. The Commission has published the notifying parties' description to increase transparency but notes this does not prejudge the Commission's assessment.

SFPIM/LINEAS Merger Prior Notification Under Simplified Procedure

The European Commission has published a prior notification of a proposed concentration in Case M.12326 involving SFPIM and LINEAS. The transaction has been identified as a candidate for the simplified procedure, which applies to concentrations that raise no or only limited competition concerns and do not require a full Phase II investigation. The notification was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 26 March 2026 under reference OJ C, C/2026/1922. Third parties with a legitimate interest may submit comments to the Commission.

Orange / MasOrange Merger Cleared Under Article 6(1)(b) EU Merger Regulation

The European Commission cleared Orange S.A.'s acquisition of sole control over MasOrange, S.L. on 10 April 2026 under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The transaction, notified on 13 March 2026, involves Orange purchasing the 50% stake in MasOrange currently held by Lorca JVCo Limited, converting joint control to sole control. The Commission declared the operation compatible with the internal market and the EEA Agreement, adopting the simplified treatment procedure under paragraph 5(e) of the Notice on simplified treatment. Telecommunications operators and investors in the EU telecom sector should note that this clearance authorises the creation of Spain's largest telecommunications operator combining Orange and MasOrange assets.

SFPIM / LINEAS Merger Cleared Under EU Regulation 139/2004

The European Commission has cleared the proposed acquisition of LINEAS by SFPIM under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation 139/2004, adopting the decision on 14 April 2026. The notification was submitted on 17 March 2026, and the case proceeded under the simplified merger procedure, indicating low competitive impact. The companies are active in land transport, freight rail transport, and warehousing and logistics support activities.

New Caledonia Competition Authority Publishes 300 Decisions as Open Data

The New Caledonia Competition Authority (ACNC) has made its entire body of decisional practice publicly available as open data on data.gouv.nc, covering nearly 300 decisions and opinions. This initiative, carried out in cooperation with the French Competition Authority (Autorite), significantly strengthens transparency and access to public action. The data supports better understanding of competition law in New Caledonia and enhances predictability of economic practices for businesses, legal practitioners, researchers, and students.

Eight Companies Fined PLN 2.6M for Payment Backlogs

The President of UOKiK issued eight final decisions imposing fines totalling over PLN 2.6 million on companies responsible for payment backlogs exceeding PLN 200 million in total value. The penalised companies span the pharmaceutical, industrial, freight forwarding, and construction sectors. Seven additional proceedings were initiated against companies in arrears, while 69 businesses received soft calls urging improved payment practices without formal proceedings.

EFMS Blackstone Urbaser Merger Cleared Under EU Merger Regulation

Blackstone Inc. and EQT Fund Management S.à r.l. have been cleared to acquire joint control over Urbaser S.A.U. under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The European Commission determined on 31 March 2026 that the proposed concentration falls within the scope of the Merger Regulation and is compatible with the internal market and the EEA Agreement. The transaction was processed under the simplified treatment procedure, indicating no competition concerns were identified.

Clarios Germany Acquires Ecobat Germany and Austria (M.12145)

Clarios Germany Holding GmbH, controlled by Brookfield Corporation, has filed to acquire sole control of ECOBAT Resources Germany GmbH and ECOBAT Resources Austria GmbH from Eco-Bat B.V. under case M.12145. The Commission has published the parties' description of the transaction — covering Clarios's automotive lead-acid battery manufacturing and the Target Companies' secondary lead smelting operations including lead metal alloys and polypropylene by-products recovered during recycling — as part of its Phase 1 merger review transparency procedure. Third parties may submit observations to the Commission.

Clarios / Ecobat Germany / Ecobat Austria Merger Prior Notification (Case M.12145)

The European Commission published prior notification of proposed concentration Case M.12145 involving Clarios, Ecobat Germany, and Ecobat Austria in the Official Journal on March 12, 2026. The notification triggers EU merger control review procedures under the EU Merger Regulation. Third parties with a legitimate interest may submit observations to the Commission during the review process.

Clarios / Ecobat Germany / Ecobat Austria Merger Approved Under EU Regulation 139/2004

The European Commission granted unconditional approval to the Clarios / Ecobat Germany / Ecobat Austria merger on 13 April 2026, concluding a Phase 1 investigation under Council Regulation 139/2004. The transaction was notified on 4 March 2026 with a provisional deadline of 13 April 2026, and was cleared under Article 6(1)(b) without conditions or remedies. The merging parties operate in battery manufacturing (NACE C.27.20), lead, zinc and tin production (NACE C.24.43), other manufacturing (NACE C.32), and materials recovery (NACE E.38.21).

Investigating Retailers for Potentially Misleading Black Friday Sales Claims

The ACCC announced on 14 April 2026 that it has commenced multiple investigations following its November 2025 Black Friday sales sweep, which reviewed 50 retailers and found that approximately half made concerning advertising claims. The investigations target retailers using countdown timers that misrepresent sale duration and retailers making 'sitewide' or 'storewide' discount claims alongside inadequately disclosed exclusions. The ACCC specifically noted that several retailers previously contacted after the 2024 sweep continued the same conduct despite prior warnings, and referenced prior June 2025 penalties imposed on Michael Hill, MyHouse, and Hairhouse Online for misleading sitewide Black Friday sales claims.

UPM-KYMMENE SAPPI JV FSR Deadline Expired

The European Commission received notification of the UPM-KYMMENE / SAPPI joint venture on 3 March 2026. The provisional deadline and suspension period under Regulation 2022/2560 (Foreign Subsidies Regulation) expired on 10 April 2026. The case concerns manufacture of pulp (NACE Rev. 2.1 C.17.11) and manufacture of paper and paperboard (NACE Rev. 2.1 C.17.12).

EC Clears EFMS/GIC Acquirers/Kelda Group Water Merger Under Article 6(1)(b)

The European Commission granted unconditional clearance to the proposed acquisition of Kelda Group by EFMS and GIC Acquirers under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation 139/2004. The merger involves economic activities in water collection, treatment and supply (NACE Rev. 2.1 E.36) and sewerage (NACE Rev. 2.1 E.37). The notification was submitted on 17 March 2026 and the decision was published on 13 April 2026 with no remedies or conditions imposed.

Motherson / Nexans Autoelectric FSR Provisional Deadline Expires

The Motherson/Nexans Autoelectric concentration case under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR) has reached a procedural milestone: the provisional deadline and suspension period expired on 10 April 2026. The suspension period lifting means the parties are no longer prohibited from closing the transaction while the EC review continues. Formal clearance or any conditions attached to the deal have not yet been announced.

CAPVEST/TSG Merger Declared Compatible with Internal Market

The European Commission declared CapVest Partners LLP's proposed acquisition of sole control of TSG Solutions Group SAS compatible with the internal market under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The transaction, whereby UK-based private equity firm CapVest acquires France-based TSG from HLD Europe SCA, was notified on 6 March 2026 and processed under the simplified treatment procedure. The Commission concluded the operation does not raise competition concerns.

Non-opposition to Liberty Global/Telefonica/Substantial Merger (Case M.12366)

The European Commission has issued a non-opposition decision regarding the proposed concentration between Liberty Global and Telefonica under Case M.12366. The Commission determined that the notified transaction would not significantly impede effective competition within the EU common market or a substantial part of it. This clearance permits the proposed merger to proceed without further regulatory intervention under the EU Merger Regulation.

CCS Clears GlobalFoundries Acquisition of Advanced Micro Foundry

The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) has cleared the completed acquisition of Advanced Micro Foundry Pte. Ltd. (AMF) by GLOBALFOUNDRIES Singapore Pte. Ltd. (GF Singapore), with the decision issued on 13 April 2026 and the transaction originally notified on 11 February 2026. CCCS concluded no substantial lessening of competition would result, citing that the parties are not the closest competitors, several viable alternative suppliers exist, and the combined market share is low. No compliance actions or ongoing obligations arise from this clearance.

Broadway Across America Antitrust Non-Prosecution Agreement

The DOJ Antitrust Division entered into a Non-Prosecution Agreement with Broadway Across America on March 18, 2026, resolving potential antitrust violations related to live theatrical performances. Broadway Across America is a major theater producer and distributor. The NPA imposes binding obligations on the company, though specific terms are not detailed in the source document. Companies in the theater and live entertainment sector should monitor this development and review any implications for industry practices.

United States v. Alan Hayward James - Bribery, Bid Rigging, Wire Fraud

The DOJ Antitrust Division filed criminal charges against Alan Hayward James on March 20, 2026, alleging bribery, bid rigging, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The defendant entered a plea agreement on April 1, 2026, resolving the criminal case. The violations occurred in the computer systems design services industry.

United States v. The New York and Presbyterian Hospital

The DOJ Antitrust Division filed a civil antitrust complaint against The New York and Presbyterian Hospital on March 26, 2026. The government alleges anticompetitive conduct by the hospital and is seeking appropriate relief through civil litigation. This enforcement action marks the opening of a formal antitrust case.

Bowser Busters Blitzing Petrol Stations Across NSW

The Minns Labor Government's Bowser Busters fuel price compliance program has conducted over 2,300 field inspections and re-inspections since March 18, 2026, covering approximately 90% of NSW and issuing over 140 Penalty Infringement Notices to service stations for price mismatches, failure to comply with information requirements, and unregistered operators. The program has doubled NSW Fair Trading's enforcement outcomes for price mismatching, with penalties including on-the-spot fines of $1,100 and court penalties of up to $110,000 for serious or repeat offences. Around 350,000 motorists use FuelCheck daily to verify fuel prices.

VALEA / Rockaway Media / Rockaway Arts Merger Approved Under Simplified Procedure

The European Commission approved the acquisition of joint control over Rockaway Arts a.s. by VALEA Foundation (Liechtenstein) and Rockaway Media a.s. (Czech Republic) under the simplified procedure. The transaction involves holding companies active in lotteries, gaming, e-commerce, financial technologies, media, publishing, and film/VOD services. The Commission concluded the operation raises no competition concerns and is compatible with the internal market and the EEA Agreement.