Exploring aspects of the state of competition in the EU for DG COMP

Lear is the leader of a consortium comprising E.CA Economics, Fideres, Kantar Public, Prometeia and University of East Anglia, which was appointed by the European Commission to carry out a study exploring certain aspects of the state of competition in the European Union. Read more

The Italian Competition Authority finds that revised remuneration system for “not-on-us” ATM withdrawal violates competition law

The Italian Competition Authority (ICA) found that a project to change the remuneration model for “not-on-us” ATM withdrawals on the Bancomat network violated Article 101 TFEU. Lear assisted some member banks of the Bancomat network that opposed the project. The current remuneration system provides for an interchange fee paid by the “issuing” bank to the “acquirer”, while the acquirer cannot charge a direct fee. In contrast, the project presented by Bancomat provides for a direct fee to the cardholder. Read more

ICA’s decision on the Apple/Amazon agreement set aside by the administrative tribunal

The Administrative Tribunal of Lazio (TAR) has annulled the decision by the Italian Competition Authority (ICA) whereby Amazon and Apple had been found to have breached competition law. The case concerned an agreement between Amazon and Apple whereby the number of third party sellers allowed to operate on the Amazon Marketplace to sell Apple products was restricted; according to the ICA, this amounted to an horizontal agreement seeking to soften intra-brand price competition in the sale of Apple products to divert sales towards Apple’s online store. Read more

Job opportunity at Lear!

Lear is looking for a Junior Consultant and a Consultant to support its existing staff on the delivery of their current portfolio of work and to build on the continuing success and growth of the business. We offer a permanent position starting in early 2023. Read more

LCF 22 – Detection of Killer acquisitions session managed by Lear

How can we empirically measure the phenomenon of killer acquisitions? How can national competition authorities effectively detect them? Is there any other competitive concern other than the potential competition narrative? Read more

#LCF2022 – VIDEOS ARE NOW ONLINE!

The second edition of the Lear Competition Festival (LCF)  has come to an end. We are extremely satisfied with how it turned out and we are very happy with the quality of the debate. 
You can access to the videos of the 3-day festival here. 👉 https://bit.ly/3VgBgEt

SUPPORT STUDY FOR THE EX POST EVALUATION OF EU COMPETITION ENFORCEMENT OF “KILLER ACQUISITIONS” IN THE PHARMACEUTICAL SECTOR

Lear has been appointed by the European Commission to carry out an ex-post evaluation of EU competition enforcement looking at acquisitions of innovative competitors in the pharmaceutical sector that have led to the discontinuation of overlapping drug research and development projects to the detriment of future competition (“killer acquisitions”). Read more

FROM THE CATCHMENT AREA TO THE RELEVANT MARKET. A MODEL OF GEOGRAPHIC MARKET DEFINITION BASED ON CRITICAL LOSS ANALYSIS

The LCN and Inisght discuss the approaches adopted by competition authorities throughout the EEA to define local geographic markets in mergers involving grocery retailers, and identify some systematic flaws in these approaches. We argue that one simple rule for the definition of local geographic markets can be developed based on critical loss analysis, and that this rule is consistent with economic theory on market definition.

The Lear Competition Notes is available  here
Read more on our Insight here

Support study for DG Comp for the revision of the Railway Guidelines

Lear, together with E.CA Economics, Sheppard Mullin and University of East Anglia, has been appointed by the European Commission to carry out a study to assist in the revision the Community guidelines on State aid for railway undertakings. The study will provide the Commission with the relevant information to update the Guidelines, to ensure that they are apt to promote the full liberalization of the rail sector and well-aligned with the regulatory developments that ensure a level-playing field in the internal market. Read more

LEAR COMPETITION FESTIVAL ROME 21-23 SEPTEMBER 2022 – REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

We are pleased to announce the second edition of the LCF, this year as an in-person event.

LCF22 offers an opportunity to discuss recent trends in competition law and economics, and to network with key players in the field. Participants will take part to a 3-day international event involving law firms, international organisations, leading scholars, and practitioners, senior representatives of competition authorities, companies’ executives and more!

Find out the latest news at www.learcompetitionfestival.com

Join us and take advantage of our early bird offer!