Consumer Protection

Virginia Department of Social Services Victim Assistance Funds Audit Identifies $100,983 in Questioned Costs

The DOJ Office of Inspector General completed Audit Report 26-047 examining Office of Justice Programs Victim Assistance Funds subawarded by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services to the Virginia Department of Social Services in Glen Allen, Virginia. The audit identified $100,983 in questioned costs and generated 8 recommendations for corrective action. The Virginia Department of Social Services, as the subrecipient, must address the audit findings and implement the recommended remediation measures.

SK Capital Acquires Swixx Biopharma - EU Clears Merger

The European Commission granted unconditional clearance to SK Capital's acquisition of Swixx Biopharma under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004, declaring the notified concentration compatible with the internal market and the EEA Agreement. SK Capital, a US-based private investment firm focused on specialty materials, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, will acquire sole control of Swixx Biopharma, a Swiss company engaged in the commercialisation and distribution of finished dose pharmaceutical products for third parties. The Commission processed the notification under the simplified treatment procedure, indicating no competition concerns were identified.

Germany Concrete Chemicals Project State Aid Amendment

The European Commission issued a decision not to raise objections on 08.04.2026 regarding Germany's amendment to an existing state aid measure for the Concrete Chemicals project. The amendment was registered on 12.02.2026 with environmental protection as its primary objective. The Commission's clearance means the modified aid measure may proceed without EC intervention under EU state aid rules.

CPP Investments I Squared Inkia Energy Merger Cleared Phase 1

The European Commission cleared the proposed acquisition of joint control over Inkia Americas S.A.C., Kallpa Generación S.A., and Orazul Energy Perú S.A. by Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and I Squared Capital Advisors (US) LLC, declaring the operation compatible with the internal market and the EEA Agreement. The Commission processed the notification under the simplified treatment procedure for certain concentrations under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. Decision adopted 31 March 2026.

OEP IX / Leviat Group Merger Cleared by EU Commission Under Simplified Procedure

The European Commission granted unconditional clearance to OEP IX Master Coöperatief U.A., a Netherlands-based financial holding company ultimately controlled by U.S. private equity firm OEP Capital Advisors, to acquire sole control of the Leviat Group from CRH Plc (Ireland). The Leviat Group comprises 15 entities across jurisdictions including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States, specialising in engineered construction accessories. The Commission determined the transaction raises no competition concerns under the simplified merger review procedure and declared it compatible with the internal market and the EEA Agreement.

Liberty Global/Telefonica/InfraVia Netomnia and Brsk Assets Merger

The European Commission has cleared the proposed concentration by which Liberty Global Limited (Bermuda), Telefónica Infra S.L.U. (Spain, controlled by Telefónica S.A.), and Crown Infra Bidco Limited (France, controlled by InfraVía Capital Partners SAS) acquire joint control of Netomnia Limited and Brsk Limited (both UK-based providers of wholesale FTTP networks). The Commission determined the notified operation falls within the scope of the Merger Regulation and decided not to oppose it, declaring it compatible with the internal market and the EEA Agreement. The decision was adopted under the simplified treatment procedure pursuant to Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 and Article 57 of the EEA Agreement.

EC Clears Liberty Global/Telefonica to Acquire Substantial

The European Commission issued a non-opposition decision under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004, clearing Liberty Global Limited (Bermuda) and Telefónica Infra S.L.U. (Spain) to acquire joint control over Substantial Group Limited (United Kingdom), encompassing its subsidiaries Netomnia Limited, Brsk Limited, Brsk ISP Limited, and YouFibre Limited. The decision, adopted on 30 March 2026, was taken under the simplified treatment procedure and declares the operation compatible with the internal market and the EEA Agreement. No conditions or remedies were imposed.

SBG / ABB Robotics Foreign Subsidies Concentration Case FS.100293

The European Commission's case FS.100293 concerning SBG and ABB Robotics under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (2022/2560) reached its provisional deadline on 09.04.2026. The notification was filed on 02.03.2026, and the provisional deadline plus suspension period have now expired. The case involves concentration assessment of economic activities in C.28.99 - Manufacture of other special-purpose machinery n.e.c.

Irish Film Relief Visual Effects Uplift - No Objections

The European Commission issued a 'Decision not to raise objections' on April 7, 2026, clearing Ireland's Film Relief Tax Support Scheme modification that introduces a visual effects uplift (Case SA.122129). The scheme was notified on February 2, 2026, and will remain in effect until December 31, 2028. As a Culture Aid instrument under competition rules, the Commission's clearance confirms the tax advantage measure does not constitute incompatible state aid requiring further review.

Tow Truck Driver Johnathan Doyle Baikie Disqualified

Johnathan Doyle Baikie, a NSW tow truck driver, has been disciplined by NSW Fair Trading after being convicted of common assault, stalking or intimidation with intent to cause harm, touting or soliciting for work at an accident scene, and failing to behave in a prescribed manner while performing tow truck duties. The agency determined Baikie no longer met the fit and proper person standard required for licensing. His Tow Truck Driver Certificate has been revoked and he is disqualified from holding any tow truck licence or drivers certificate for 3 years and 6 months. NSW Fair Trading has indicated it will continue taking action against individuals who behave dangerously to maintain industry safety and trustworthiness.

Australia Merger Control Regime: 50 Notifications, 39 Approved in Q1 2026

The ACCC received 50 merger notifications and 108 waiver applications under Australia's new mandatory merger control regime in its first three months of operation (1 January to 31 March 2026). The ACCC approved 39 notifications in phase 1, granted 70 of 108 waiver applications, and progressed two notifications to phase 2 for deeper assessment (Ampol's acquisition of EG and Coles' acquisition of a supermarket and liquor site in Kalgoorlie, WA). Average decision times were 18 business days in phase 1 and 11 business days for waivers, with 91 percent of acquisitions decided within the committed 20-business-day timeframe.

SIA Vietnam Airlines Joint Venture Competition Assessment

CCS is consulting the public from 8 April 2026 to 22 April 2026 on a proposed joint venture between Singapore Airlines Limited and Vietnam Airlines JSC for services between Singapore and Vietnam. The Parties overlap on five Origin-Destination routes, including direct routes Singapore-Ho Chi Minh City and Singapore-Hanoi, and propose to form a metal-neutral alliance covering scheduling, pricing, sales, marketing, and expanded codesharing cooperation. CCS is assessing whether the Proposed Cooperation would infringe Section 34 of the Competition Act 2004, which prohibits agreements preventing, restricting, or distorting competition in Singapore.

OJP Victim Assistance Funds Subawarded to One Place Family Justice Center

The DOJ Office of Inspector General published Audit Report 26-046 examining the Office of Justice Programs Victim Assistance Funds subawarded by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs to the One Place Family Justice Center in Montgomery, Alabama. The audit, posted on April 7, 2026, resulted in one recommendation related to the subaward of federal victim assistance funds.

IG4 Group / Petrobras / Braskem merger prior notification (Case M.12316)

The European Commission received a prior notification of a concentration (Case M.12316) involving IG4 Group, Petrobras, and Braskem. The transaction was published in the Official Journal on March 23, 2026, and is designated as a candidate for the simplified merger procedure. Interested third parties may submit observations on the proposed merger.

Tow Truck Driver Brett David Shearer Disqualified for 3 Years

NSW Fair Trading has reprimanded and disqualified tow truck driver Brett David Shearer from holding a Tow Truck Drivers Certificate for 3 years. Mr Shearer was charged with and pleaded guilty to a personal violence offence involving intimidation with intent to cause fear of physical or mental harm, and a larceny offence involving the theft of 5 sets of car keys. Based on these offences and related conduct, NSW Fair Trading determined he was no longer a fit and proper person to hold a tow truck licence or drivers certificate.

CPSC Urges Families to Protect Children During National Window Safety Week 2026

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a safety awareness announcement on April 7, 2026, for National Window Safety Week (April 5–11, 2026), releasing 2024 and 2021–2023 data on child falls from windows. According to CPSC, approximately 5,600 children aged 12 and under were treated in emergency departments in 2024 after falling from windows, with about one in three requiring hospitalization. CPSC also documented at least 25 child deaths from window falls between 2021 and 2023, with 80% occurring between May and October. Families with young children are urged to follow CPSC's safety tips including installing window guards, window stops limiting openings to four inches, and keeping furniture away from windows.

IG4 GROUP / PETROBRAS / BRASKEM Merger M.12316 Cleared Under Simplified Procedure

The European Commission cleared the IG4 GROUP / PETROBRAS / BRASKEM merger (Case M.12316) on 7 April 2026 under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation 139/2004, using the simplified procedure. The parties operate in the manufacture of organic basic chemicals (NACE C.20.14) and plastics in primary forms (NACE C.20.16). The notification was filed on 11 March 2026 with a provisional deadline of 20 April 2026, and the decision was published in the Official Journal as OJEU C/2026/1839 on 23 March 2026.

SCDCA Fuel Efficiency Tips to Help Consumers Save Money on Gas

The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) published fuel efficiency tips for consumers facing rising gas prices. The guidance explains that fuel prices are driven by supply and demand and can spike due to market disruptions, geopolitical events, and natural disasters. The agency recommends specific driving practices including avoiding rapid acceleration and hard braking, driving under 50 mph, combining trips to minimize cold starts, and using fuel rewards programs and price-tracking apps. The tips are informational only and impose no compliance obligations on regulated entities.

MCCAA Seeks ACAB Course Experts, Deadline April 30

The Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA) has published an Expression of Interest seeking qualified experts to design, deliver, and assess the Authorised Conformity Assessment Body (ACAB) Course. Interested parties must submit their expression of interest by noon (local time) on 30 April 2026, either by e-mail or in writing to the Director General (Technical Regulations) at Mizzi House, National Road, Blata l-Bajda HMR 9010, Malta.

IG4 Group / Petrobras / Braskem Merger Cleared

The European Commission cleared the proposed merger between IG4 Group, Petrobras, and Braskem under the simplified merger procedure on 7 April 2026. The transaction was notified on 11 March 2026 with a provisional deadline of 20 April 2026. The Commission issued a decision under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation 139/2004, indicating clearance without commitments or conditions.

IG4 Group/Petrobras/Braskem Joint Control Acquisition

The European Commission received notification of IG4 Group's acquisition of joint control over Braskem S.A. alongside existing shareholder Petrobras. The transaction involves IG4 Capital Partners, acting through Shine Equity LP, acquiring shares currently held by Novonor S.A. in the Brazilian petrochemical company Braskem. The case is designated M.12316 under the EU Merger Regulation.

Joshua Tesolin and Tesolin Consulting Pty Ltd Banned Ten Years for Underquoting

Joshua James Tesolin and Tesolin Consulting Pty Ltd have been disqualified for 10 years from being involved in the management or operation of a licensed real estate business following findings by NSW Fair Trading of serious and deliberate misconduct. The investigation found Mr Tesolin engaged in underquoting, advertising properties below their estimated selling price, directing employees to falsify documents provided to the regulator, failing to properly supervise the business, and engaging in unlawful conduct affecting more than 100 property transactions. The disciplinary action has taken immediate effect and details will be published on the NSW Government's Verify NSW register and NSW Fair Trading's Name and Shame Register.

FuelCheck Receives $2.2 Million Upgrade as NSW Fuel Price Compliance Blitzes Surge

The Minns Labor Government will inject $2.2 million to upgrade FuelCheck, NSW's real-time fuel price transparency tool used by around 2,400 service stations statewide, funding better data collection, data analysis, and user experience improvements. Over the past fortnight, NSW Fair Trading conducted a statewide compliance blitz inspecting around 75 per cent of NSW stations (just under 1,800 service station inspections), issuing 93 penalty infringement notices, with 24 user intelligence-based fines issued this week alone. Fuel retailers who breach pricing rules face on-the-spot fines of $1,100 or court penalties of up to $22,000 for individuals and $110,000 for corporations. Inspections will continue over the Easter Long Weekend, with regional areas remaining a key target.

California Board of Accountancy Celebrates 125 Years Protecting Consumers

The California Board of Accountancy (CBA) marks its 125th anniversary in 2026, having been created by the California Legislature on March 23, 1901, to license and regulate the public accountancy profession. The Board has grown from 47 licensed professionals in its first year to over 116,000 CPAs and accounting firms currently licensed, making it the largest group of licensed accounting professionals in the nation. Senate Concurrent Resolution 111 was passed by the Legislature on March 12, 2026, to commemorate this milestone.

Northrop Grumman Set Aside Order Comment Form

The Federal Trade Commission has opened a public comment period on the Northrop Grumman Set Aside Order (Docket No. FTC-2026-0331-0001). The comment form on Regulations.gov allows interested parties to submit feedback on this proposed action. The comment period is now active and accepting submissions from the public, industry stakeholders, and other affected parties.

Northrop Grumman Set Aside Order Public Comment

The FTC has opened a public comment period on a proposed Set Aside Order concerning Northrop Grumman Corporation. The consultation invites public input on whether government contracting set-aside provisions should apply to specific defense procurement activities. Comments will be reviewed before any final determination is issued.

2026-2027 Annual Plan: Competition Bureau Priorities for Affordability and Choice

The Competition Bureau published its 2026-2027 Annual Plan on April 2, 2026, outlining three priority areas: investigating anti-competitive mergers and conduct affecting household expenses, cracking down on deceptive marketing, and encouraging pro-competitive government policies. The plan specifically targets essential household sectors including food and housing, with a focus on removing barriers to entry for new competitors.

Fuel Retailers Must Register with Fuel Finder

The CMA has issued an open letter to road fuel retailers reminding them of obligations under the Fuel Finder Open Data scheme. Retailers must register and submit price updates to Fuel Finder within 30 minutes of any price change. The CMA has stepped up monitoring of petrol and diesel prices in light of the conflict in the Middle East, and from 1 May 2026 will use enforcement powers to prioritise action against non-compliance if information indicates formal action may be appropriate.

Fuels Decision Division Restructured

The Bundeskartellamt has restructured its Decision Division V, creating a new 13th Decision Division dedicated to the mineral oil and fuel sector to implement the fuel price package that entered into force on 2 April 2026. The new division comprises three project teams: the Market Transparency Unit for Fuels monitoring approximately 15,000 petrol stations, a team for proceedings under Section 32f GWB regarding wholesale fuel competition, and a team for proceedings under the new Section 29a GWB on cost-based pricing. Andreas Mundt, President of the Bundeskartellamt, stated the authority is now ready to move forward with strong enforcement focus.

Nexans and Sonepar Fined €6.5M for Exclusive Import Rights Collusion in French DROMs

The Autorité de la concurrence fined Nexans group €3 million and Sonepar group €3.5 million (total €6.5 million) for colluding from May 13, 2015 to November 20, 2023 to grant Sonepar exclusive import rights for Nexans electrical cables across all five French overseas departments and regions (DROMs): Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Réunion, and Mayotte. The practices violated the 2012 Lurel Act, which banned exclusive import agreements in French overseas territories from March 22, 2013. Both companies accepted the settlement procedure without contesting the allegations, making this the largest fine ever imposed by the Autorité for exclusive import rights and its first case using the whistleblower framework.

Reform of Board Section Composition

The Autorité de la concurrence has reformed the composition of its Board sections, doubling the number of non-permanent members who may sit in sections chaired by Vice-Presidents from 6 to 12, encompassing all non-permanent Board members. The reform aims to promote greater variety in working arrangements and strengthen collective decision-making by leveraging the diverse skills of Board members. The composition of plenary hearings, the permanent standing committee, and sections IA and IB remain unchanged, as do quorum rules. The reform entered into force on the date of publication, April 2, 2026.