UK CMA Cases

CMA Referral of Viking CCUS Development Fund Subsidy

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has accepted a request for advice from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) regarding a proposed subsidy for the Viking Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Development Fund. The Subsidy Advice Unit (SAU) will provide a report evaluating DESNZ's assessment of the subsidy's compliance with subsidy control requirements.

CMA Investigates Hotel Data Sharing for Competition Law Infringement

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has opened an investigation into suspected anti-competitive information sharing among hotel providers via a data services provider. The investigation, which commenced on March 2, 2026, involves major hotel chains including CoStar, Hilton, IHG, and Marriott.

CMA Subsidy Advice Unit reviews Green Heat Network Fund scheme

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) Subsidy Advice Unit (SAU) has accepted a request to review the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero's modified Green Heat Network Fund subsidy scheme. The SAU will provide advice on whether the scheme complies with subsidy control requirements, with a report due by April 10, 2026.

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.