UK CMA Publications

AkzoNobel Axalta Merger Inquiry Invitation to Comment

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has opened a preliminary merger inquiry into the anticipated acquisition of Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. by Akzo Nobel N.V. The CMA is inviting comments from any interested party on the potential impact of the transaction on competition in the UK market. Comments will be accepted until 1 May 2026. This invitation to comment is the first stage of information gathering before the formal Phase 1 investigation commences.

AA, BSM Fined £4.2M, Must Refund 80,000 Customers

The CMA ordered AA Driving School and BSM Driving School to refund over £760,000 to more than 80,000 customers and pay a £4.2 million fine for drip pricing violations. The companies failed to include a mandatory £3 booking fee in the upfront price shown when booking driving lessons online between April and December 2025. This is the first financial penalty the CMA has imposed under its new consumer law enforcement powers.

CMA Invites Comments on Paramount Warner Bros Discovery Merger Inquiry

The CMA has launched an invitation to comment on the anticipated acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. by Paramount Skydance Corporation. This pre-investigation consultation seeks initial views from interested parties on potential competition impacts in the UK market before a formal phase 1 investigation begins. Written representations on competition issues must be submitted by 27 April 2026.

CMA SAU accepted DESNZ referral, £64m grant for Port Talbot

CMA SAU accepted DESNZ referral, £64m grant for Port Talbot

Apple and Google App Store Rules - Call for Evidence

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has issued an open call for evidence regarding recent developments in Apple and Google's app store rules across multiple jurisdictions. Both Apple and Google hold strategic market status in the UK for mobile platforms. The CMA is seeking stakeholder views on changes these companies have made or propose to make to their app store rules. Comments must be submitted by 5pm on 22 April 2026.

Actions on Business Software and Cloud Services

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published a package of actions on business software and cloud services under the UK digital markets competition regime on 31 March 2026. The guidance sets out regulatory expectations for technology companies providing cloud infrastructure and business software solutions in the United Kingdom. This marks the CMA's formal exercise of its digital markets competition powers targeting these sectors.

Actions on Business Software and Cloud Services Through UK Digital Markets Competition Regime

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published its final package of actions and remedies on business software and cloud services through the UK digital markets competition regime on 31 March 2026. The guidance applies to designated technology firms operating in UK business software and cloud markets. This establishes new competitive requirements that affected platforms must implement.

WMCA Bus Network Support Grant subsidy scheme referral

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) Subsidy Advice Unit (SAU) has accepted a request for advice on the West Midlands Combined Authority's (WMCA) proposed Bus Network Support Grant subsidy scheme. The scheme proposes up to £145.3 million to bus operators to maintain services during a transition to franchised routes.

SAU Report on Electric Car Grant Subsidy Scheme

The UK's Subsidy Advice Unit (SAU) has published a report advising the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) on its proposed Electric Car Grant subsidy scheme. The report evaluates the scheme's compliance with the Subsidy Control Act 2022.

CMA Final Decision Report on Pet Veterinary Services

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published its final decision report following a market study into veterinary services for household pets. The report outlines findings and potential remedies to address competition and consumer issues identified in the market.

Subsidy Control Report on Zero Emission Truck/Van Grants

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published an independent report evaluating the proposed Zero Emission Truck Grant (ZETG) and Zero Emission Van Grant (ZEVG) Scheme. The report assesses the scheme's compliance with the Subsidy Control Act 2022.

CMA Implements Major Reforms to UK Veterinary Sector

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has concluded its investigation into veterinary services for pets, implementing major reforms to increase competition and transparency. These legally binding measures, including price lists and a price comparison website, will begin to take effect later this year to help pet owners make more informed decisions.

CMA Annual Plan 2026-2027

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published its Annual Plan for 2026-2027, outlining its work program to drive UK economic growth and enhance consumer protection. This plan is the first implementation document under the CMA's new 2026-2029 Strategy.

CMA Guidance on Veterinary Business Ownership, Prices, and Services

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published final guidance for veterinary businesses following its market investigation into pet vet services. The guidance introduces new requirements ('remedies') focused on transparency of ownership, pricing, treatment information, prescribing practices, out-of-hours contracts, and complaint management.

SAU Report on British Business Bank Subsidy Assessment

The UK's Subsidy Advice Unit (SAU) has published its independent report advising the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) on a proposed subsidy to the British Business Bank (BBB). The report evaluates DBT's assessment of the scheme's compliance with the Subsidy Control Act 2022.

CMA Launches UK Heating Oil Market Study

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a market study into the retail supply of heating oil for domestic use. The CMA is inviting views from interested parties by April 8, 2026, with a final report expected by June 2026.

CMA Investigates Adobe for Consumer Protection Law Infringements

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has opened an investigation into Adobe Systems Software Ireland Limited over suspected infringements of consumer protection law. The investigation focuses on early termination fee terms and the presentation of related information for certain Adobe products sold in the UK.

CMA Investigates Adobe Over Consumer Law Cancellation Fees

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into Adobe concerning potentially unfair and misleading early cancellation fees on its 'annual billed monthly' plans. This action falls under the CMA's direct consumer enforcement powers, which allow for potential fines of up to 10% of global turnover.

Subsidy Advice Unit reviews Clean Industry Bonus Scheme

The UK's Subsidy Advice Unit (SAU) has accepted a request to review the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero's proposed Clean Industry Bonus Allocation Round 8 Scheme. The SAU will provide advice on whether the scheme complies with subsidy control requirements, with a report due by April 30, 2026.

CMA Response to Chancellor on Pricing Pressures and Competition

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has responded to the Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding pricing pressures and competition. The CMA outlines its actions to monitor prices, protect consumers, and ensure effective competition in key markets.

CMA Consumer Forum Terms of Reference Published

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published the terms of reference for its Consumer Forum. This forum brings together the CMA and UK consumer representative organisations to ensure consumer perspectives are central to the CMA's work.

CMA Consumer Forum Meeting Notes Published

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published the meeting notes from its Consumer Forum held on 10 February 2026. These notes document discussions aimed at ensuring consumer perspectives are integrated into the CMA's ongoing work.

CMA assessing Aldi/Lidl for Large Grocery Retailer designation

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is assessing whether Aldi and Lidl meet the criteria to be designated as Large Grocery Retailers under the Groceries Market Investigation (Controlled Land) Order 2010. The CMA has launched an Invitation to Comment, which closes on April 13, 2026.

CMA examines heating oil prices amid Middle East conflict

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is examining concerns about rising heating oil prices due to the Middle East conflict. The CMA is investigating reports of cancelled orders and significant price increases, engaging with suppliers to assess potential breaches of consumer protection law.

CMA Response to UK Competition Regime Consultation

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published its response to the Department for Business and Trade's consultation on refining the UK's competition regime. The response addresses proposals aimed at improving the pace, predictability, proportionality, and process of competition law enforcement.

CMA Guidance on Consumer Law for AI Agents

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published new guidance for businesses on complying with consumer protection law when using AI agents. The guidance clarifies that businesses remain responsible for the actions of AI agents they deploy and outlines how to train them to ensure legal compliance.

CMA Finalizes Water Company Bill Increases

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has issued a final decision on disputed price controls for five water companies, allowing an average bill increase of 2.2%. The CMA rejected 83% of the increases sought by the companies, granting £463 million in additional revenue, down from a provisional £556 million.

CMA Report on Agentic AI's Consumer Impact

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published a report analyzing the potential impact of agentic AI on consumers. The report outlines how agentic AI is currently used, its future implications, and provides guidance for businesses on mitigating risks.

CMA Considers Energy Licence Appeal Decision Deadline

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is considering appeals from 5 energy companies against modifications to gas distribution licences made by Ofgem. The CMA is expected to decide whether to grant permission to appeal by 31 March 2026.

CMA Clears Constellation's Purchase of Aston Barclay Merger

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has cleared Constellation Developments Limited's acquisition of ABVR Holdings Limited (Aston Barclay). The decision follows an in-depth phase 2 investigation which found the merger would not substantially reduce competition in the UK used vehicle auction market.

CMA Market Study Private Dental Services - Call for Evidence

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has opened a call for evidence regarding its market study into private dental services. Dental professionals are invited to share their experiences and insights on challenges within the sector, with the evidence submission deadline set for March 19, 2026.

CMA Launches Private Dental Services Market Study

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a market study into the supply of private dental services in the UK. The CMA is inviting views from consumers and dental professionals by April 2, 2026, on the proposed scope of the study.

CMA Private Dental Services Market Study Engagement Guidance

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a market study into the UK's private dental services sector, focusing on market performance and potential improvements. The CMA is inviting views on the proposed scope, with a deadline for responses on April 2, 2026.

CMA Call for Evidence: Private Dental Services Consumer Experience

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has opened a call for evidence regarding consumers' experiences with private dental services in the UK. The consultation seeks views on factors influencing choices and payment methods for private treatments and closes on March 19, 2026.

CMA Seeks Views on UK Dentistry Market

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is seeking views from consumers and dental professionals on the dentistry market. The consultation aims to gather information to inform decisions about dental care and payment in the UK, with a deadline for submissions on March 19, 2026.

CMA Market Study into Private Dentistry Sector

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a market study into the £8 billion private dentistry sector. The CMA is seeking views from consumers and dental professionals to assess market functioning and identify potential issues.

CMA Investigates Hotel Chains for Sensitive Information Sharing

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into Hilton, IHG, and Marriott for suspected sharing of competitively sensitive information via the STR data analytics tool. The probe will examine potential infringements of competition law.

CMA Advocates Non-Compete Clause Reform and Salary Threshold Ban

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has responded to a government working paper on reforming non-compete clauses in employment contracts. The CMA advocates for reforms, including a ban on non-competes below a salary threshold, to enhance labour market mobility.