Courts & Legal

CMA Investigates ABF Acquisition of Hovis Merger

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into the anticipated acquisition of Hovis Group Limited by Associated British Foods plc. The inquiry is currently in Phase 2, with a statutory deadline of June 24, 2026.

CMA Investigates Hays Travel Merger

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched merger inquiries into Hays Travel's acquisitions of Polka Dot Travel and Millington Travel. Initial enforcement orders have been served, and phase 1 decision deadlines are set for April 2026.

Homes England Subsidy Referral for 2020 Developments Luton

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published its final report advising Homes England on a proposed £29.5 million subsidy to 2020 Developments (Luton) Limited. This subsidy is for infrastructure development to unlock residential and employment space.

CMA Merger Inquiry: LDC acquires Green Label

The CMA has opened a merger inquiry into the acquisition of Green Label Holdings Limited by Société LDC SA. An initial enforcement order has been served, and an invitation to comment is open until March 9, 2026, to gather views on potential competition impacts.

Post Office Subsidy Scheme Report and Consultation

The CMA's Subsidy Advice Unit has accepted a request for a report on the proposed £609.2m Post Office Transformation Subsidy Scheme. The Department for Business and Trade is seeking advice on compliance with subsidy control requirements. Comments are due by March 11, 2026.

People v. Ramirez - Criminal Appeal

The California Court of Appeal reversed a lower court's denial of a resentencing petition filed by Raul Enrique Ramirez under Penal Code section 1172.6. The court found that Ramirez was entitled to an evidentiary hearing on his claim that he could not be convicted of murder under current law.

People v. Rinke - Criminal Appeal

The California Court of Appeal reversed and remanded a lower court's decision in People v. Rinke. The appellate court found that the defendant was eligible for a resentencing hearing, which the trial court had erroneously denied. The case involves a defendant convicted of murder, vehicular manslaughter, and other offenses.

People v. Eastus - Criminal Robbery Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, affirmed a conviction for second-degree robbery and upheld a 15-year prison sentence for Dustin Ira Eastus. The court found no abuse of discretion in the sentencing or the refusal to strike a prior serious felony enhancement.

People v. Scott - Criminal Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Two, affirmed in part and dismissed in part the appeal of Derrick Anthony Scott. The court denied Scott's petition for resentencing under Penal Code section 1172.6, finding him ineligible for relief, and dismissed the appeal of the denial of his section 1172.1 resentencing request as non-appealable.

People v. Mize - Colorado Court of Appeals Opinion

The Colorado Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction of William Ray Mize for multiple sexual assault and related offenses. The court addressed Mize's argument regarding the admissibility of testimony from a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner.