FairSquare Bulletin
Your daily dose of competition law news from trusted sources
EU Commission raids chocolate confectionery company on suspected antitrust breach
13 April 2026
The European Commission said that it has raided the premises of an unnamed chocolate confectionery company on suspicion of violating antitrust rules that prohibit cartels and anti-competitive practices. The inspections were carried out on the company’s facilities in two European Union countries, the commission said. The statement said that the Commission is investigating possible market segmentation in the form of restrictions on the trade of goods between the Member States in the Single Market and obstacles to multi-country purchases.
Read more on Reuters.
U.S. jury rules Live Nation a monopoly in a victory for states
15 April 2026
A U.S. federal jury found that Live Nation, which owns Ticketmaster, has operated as a monopoly in violation of federal and antitrust laws in the live-events marketplace. The jury determined that Ticketmaster had overcharged consumers by $1.72 million for each ticket. The judge overseeing the case, Arun Subramanian, will determine remedies in a separate proceeding. That could include significant divestments by Live Nation, or a breakup of Live Nation and Ticketmaster. Live Nation will also face monetary damages as a result of the jury’s verdict in the case, which was brought by 34 states.
Read more on The New York Times.
U.S. Department of Justice probes into NFL over anticompetitive practices
9 April 2026
The U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into whether the National Football League (NFL) has engaged in anti-competitive behaviour that harms consumers, according to sources. Major broadcast station owners, U.S. regulators, and senators have raised concerns in the past over the difficulties consumers face in watching sports games and the growing trend of selling broadcast rights to streamers. The NFL, however, said that more than 87% of its games are aired on free broadcast TV and that all games that are aired on free broadcast television are in markets of participating teams.
Read more on Reuters.
California lawmakers clash over controversial antitrust bill
13 April 2026
The Assembly Bill 1776, proposed to expand California’s antitrust laws, is drawing opposition from industry groups who argue that the bill is an overreach and could lead to unfair claims of anticompetitive behaviour against companies that aren’t close to controlling a market. The legislation, if passed, would significantly widen the scope of the state’s Cartwright Act. Traditionally, the law has focused on anticompetitive behaviour involving multiple companies. Under the proposed changes, however, individual firms could also face liability. The bill would further move away from long-standing federal legal standards that courts have relied on for decades when evaluating antitrust claims.
Read more on Bloomberg and CPI.
CCI approves acquisition of Felur Hotels Limited by Coastal Cedar Investments BV
8 April 2026
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of certain equity shares of Fleur Hotels Limited by Coastal Cedar Investments BV and internal restructuring of Lemon Tree Hotels Limited (LTH) group through amalgamation and demerger. The proposed reorganisation is set to create two clearly differentiated and complementary platforms: Firstly, Lemon Tree Hotels Limited, as a pure-play, asset-light hotel management and brand platform; and secondly, Fleure Hotels Limited, a current subsidiary of Lemon Tree, as a large-scale growth-oriented hotel ownership platform with development capabilities and an attractive pipeline.
Read more on The Economic Times.
OpenAI urges California, Delaware to investigate Musk’s ‘anti-competitive behaviour’
7 April 2026
OpenAI urged the California and Delaware attorneys general to consider investigating Elon Musk and his associates’ “improper and anti-competitive behaviour”, ahead of a trial between the two sides set to begin in April. Musk sued Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, and others in 2024, accusing them of violating OpenAI in 2015, but left in 2018 and launched rival xAI with its competitor chatbot Grok. In a court filing in August 2025, OpenAI had said Musk tried to enlist rival Mark Zuckerberg for the bid that his consortium made for OpenAI early last year, but the CEO of Meta Platforms did not come on board.
Read more on Reuters.
Supreme Court declines to stay Adani resolution plan for Jaiprakash Associates
6 April 2026
The Supreme Court declined to stay the implementation of Adani Enterprises’ resolution plan for debt-ridden Jaiprakash Associates Ltd. A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi noted that the insolvency proceedings are already listed for final hearing before the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) on April 10, and therefore found no reason to intervene at this stage. The court further directed that any major policy decision by the monitoring committee in the interim will be taken only after seeking leave of the NCLAT, given the nature and implications of the case. Vedanta Group had approached the court seeking a stay on the Rs 14,500-crore resolution plan, contending that the insolvency proceedings lacked transparency and failed to maximise value for creditors.
Read more on The Economic Times.
CCI orders probe into Venkateshwara Hatcheries on alleged anti-competitive practices
1 April 2026
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) ordered an investigation into Venkateshwara Hatcheries Group and its affiliated entities on a complaint filed by Maneka Gandhi’s NGO People for Animals, alleging anti-competitive practices in India’s poultry sector. The CCI has asked the Director General to examine whether the group’s business arrangements with poultry farmers impose restrictions that limit competition in the market. The complaint alleged that the group, through its vertically integrated operations and standard form agreements with poultry breeders, imposed restrictions that limit competition.
Read more on Bar and Bench.
Meta must face antitrust suit from shuttered app Phhhoto, US district judge rules
31 March 2026
A US federal district judge ruled that Meta Platforms must face an antitrust lawsuit from photo-sharing app Phhhoto that claims that the company used its monopoly power to put it out of business. As per the judge, Phhhoto plausibly alleged that Meta suppressed the visibility of the app’s animated photographs on Facebook and Instagram. Phhhoto also alleges that Meta launched the rival app Boomerang in 2015 on the same day that Phhhoto was planning to announce its availability on Android devices, which caused it to lose users, investor funding, and ultimately its business.
Read more on Reuters.
Report alleges anti-competitive practices by MakeMyTrip despite CCI order
31 March 2026
Morpheus Research, an activist short-seller, released a report accusing travel booking platform MakeMyTrip of indulging in anti-competitive practices despite a significant penalty order from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in 2022, directing the company to stop such practices. According to the report, Morpheus Research, which disclosed a short position in the company, alleged that MakeMyTrip continues to enforce price parity arrangements with hotel partners. It also alleged accounting irregularities and flagged an exposure to a receivable from the insolvent airline GoAir, stating that only part of the amount has been provisioned by MakeMyTrip.
Read more on The Economic Times.
CCI clears merger of Udemy with Coursera’s arm
25 March 2026
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the merger of Chess Merger Sub, a wholly owned subsidiary of Coursera Inc., with and into Udemy Inc. US-based Coursera is a global education technology company that operates a leading online learning platform. Its operations in India are primarily through cross-border digital delivery. After the completion of the merger, Udemy will survive as a wholly owned subsidiary of Coursera. Upon closing, existing Coursera stockholders are expected to own approximately 59%, while Udemy stockholders are expected to own 41% of the combined company, on a fully diluted basis.
Read more on PIB and The Economic Times.
Svatantra Microfin acquires Chaitanya India Fin; becomes 2nd largest NBFC-MFI
25 March 2026
Svatantra Microfin Pvt Ltd on Monday announced that it has completed its merger with Chaitanya India Fin Credit Pvt Ltd (CIFCPL) and Svatantra Holding Pvt Ltd, following approval by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). The amalgamation solidifies Svantantra’s position as the second-largest NBFC-MFI in India. The transaction marks the end of a mult-stage integration process that began with Svatantra’s acquisition of CIFCPL from the Navi Group in November 2023. With this amalgamation, it said, the company now manages a consolidated Assets Under Management (AUM) of about Rs 22,000 crore.
Read more on The Economic Times.
Apollo Hospitals Enterprise completes acquisition of AHLL stake
24 March 2026
Apollo Hospitals Enterprise (AHEL) has completed the acquisition of stake in Apollo Health and Lifestyle (AHLL). In a regulatory filing, the company said, its board of directors had approved the acquisition of more than 4.1 crore equity shares aggregating to a 30.6% equity stake held jointly by the International Finance Corporation, Washington (IFC) and IFC EAF Apollo Investment Company in its subsidiary, AHLL. In view of the completion of the transaction, the effective shareholding of the company in AHLL has increased to 99.4%
Read more on Times of India.
Nvidia faces scrutiny over $20 billion Groq licensing deal
22 March 2026
Nvidia is facing renewed attention from U.S. lawmakers after a $20 billion licensing agreement with AI startup Groq raised concerns about whether the deal’s structure may have allowed the company to expand its reach without undergoing antitrust review. They said that the deal could reduce competition and further strengthen Nvidia’s position in AI computing, where its chips are already widely used to train large language models. The agreement gives Nvidia a non-exclusive license to Groq’s technology and also brings several key personnel into Nvidia, while Groq will continue to operate independently. The structure of the structure has drawn notice because it was not submitted for antitrust review.
Read more on CPI.
Acquihires, often used by Big Tech, are a ‘red flag’: DOJ antitrust head
19 March 2026
The antitrust head of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) calls companies’ efforts to bypass U.S. antitrust scrutiny through tactics such as “acquihires”- a strategy some Big Tech firms use to snap up talent at AI startups a “red flag”. Acquihires, where the world’s biggest technology firms pay large sums in deals with promising startups to take their technology and talent, but stop short of formally acquiring the target, are increasingly being viewed as an attempt to evade the formal merger review process. A recent example of this was Nvidia, which agreed to license chip technology from startup Groq and hire its CEO, without buying the company.
Read more on Reuters.
Australia’s antitrust regulator probes major fuel suppliers over anti-competitive conduct
19 March 2026
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has said that it has launched an investigation into allegations of anti-competitive conduct by major fuel suppliers, including Ampol, BP’s Australian unit, Mobil Oil Australia and Viva Energy’s unit. The regulator said it received reports regarding diesel availability to independent wholesalers and distributors serving regional and rural areas, and would assess the alleged conduct.
Read more on Reuters.
CCI approves additional shareholding acquisition in Baby Memorial Hospital by Bentley Asia and BMH’s subsequent acquisition of certain shareholding in Unimed
18 March 2026
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of certain additional shareholding in Baby Memorial Hospital Limited (BMH) by Bentley Asia Holdings II Pte. Ltd. The CCI has also approved the acquisition by BMH of certain shareholding in Unimed Health Care Private Limited by way of a secondary purchase. Bentley is a private company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of Singapore. BMH is a multi-speciality healthcare network operating across various cities in India, while Unimed operates two multispecialty hospitals in Hyderabad.
Read more on PIB.
CCI probes global fragrance makers over deals not to poach workers
17 March 2026
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is investigating global fragrance makers Givaudan, Firmenich, and International Flavors & Fragrances over accusations of striking anti-poaching deals that can harm workers. According to lawyers, the case is India’s first touching on labour practices, though authorities have often investigated price-fixing. Regulators say deals with rivals not to hire away workers restrict job opportunities and wages. The investigation was launched in August 2025 after one company approached it under a “leniency programme” that offers confidentiality and sets lower penalties in return for proof of wrongdoing. The companies can be fined up to three times their profit, or 10% of the Indian entity’s global turnover, whichever is higher, for each year of wrongdoing.
Read more on Reuters.
CCI prepares against potential anti-competitive conduct in the AI sector
16 March 2026
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is preparing to intensify oversight of the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence (AI) industry, with officials warning that emerging technologies could create new avenues for anti-competitive behaviour. Speaking at the 11th National Conference on Economics of Competition Law in New Delhi, the CCI Chairperson Ravneet Kaur said the regulator is examining developments in the AI ecosystem and is ready to address practices such as algorithmic collusion. She also outlined a range of industries currently under CCI’s watch, including sports, civil aviation, and the liquor industry.
Read more on CPI.
States press ahead with Live Nation trial after federal settlement
16 March 2026
A coalition of more than 20 states and Washington, D.C., will continue to pursue the antitrust case against Live Nation after the U.S. government reached a settlement with the company earlier this week. The case will move forward before the same jury that had already begun hearing testimony. Jay Marcano, the chief executive of Live Nation competitor AEG, is expected to continue the testimony, which began last week. The lawsuit originally brought together nearly 40 states when the U.S. government accused Live Nation and its subsidiary Ticketmaster in 2024 of maintaining an illegal monopoly in the live-events marketplace.
Read more on CPI.
Selecta’s majority bondholders ask New York judge to dismiss antitrust lawsuit over creditor pact
15 March 2026
A group of bondholders to Selecta Group BV are urging the federal court in the Southern District of New York to throw out a lawsuit accusing them of violating the U.S. antitrust laws through an agreement among creditors to coordinate negotiations with the Swiss vending machine operator that favoured them among others. The motion is a response to the first-ever lawsuit challenging the legality of cooperation agreements used by creditors during corporate restructurings. It argued that the arrangement among a majority of bondholders was lawful and that it did not amount to antitrust violations or price-fixing.
Read more on Bloomberg and CPI.
Parliament tells CCI to intensify scrutiny of sectors displaying duopolistic market structures
15 March 2026
A Parliamentary panel has said that the Competition Commission of India (CCI) should intensify proactive monitoring of duopolistic or high-concentration sectors through regular market studies, competition risk assessments, and targeted interventions, as they are showing disproportionate market power. The CCI has the mandate to curb anti-competitive practices and promote fair competition across sectors. Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance has urged the Corporate Affairs Ministry to expedite the introduction of the Digital Competition Bill, with a time-bound roadmap to ensure effective regulation of large digital platforms.
Read more on The Economic Times.
BookMyShow a dominant player but did not abuse its dominant position: CCI
12 March 2026
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) held that Big Tree Entertainment, which operates the online movie ticketing platform BookMyShow, is a dominant player in the online movie ticket booking market but has not abused its dominant position. The ruling followed a complaint filed by Vijay Gopal, who runs an online ticket booking platform called Showtyme. He alleged that BookMyShow entered into exclusive agreements with cinemas and multiplex chains, preventing rival ticketing platforms from accessing the market. He also accused BookMyShow of sharing a part of the convenience fee charged from consumers to cinemas. This, he alleged, discouraged theatres from partnering with competing platforms
Read more on Bar and Bench.
CCI approves the proposed acquisition by Cube V of the road asset business of DYIPL, DVIPL, DGIPL and DTEHPL
11 March 2026
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the proposed acquisition by Cube Highways and Infrastructure V Pte. Ltd. (Cube V) of the road asset businesses of Dinesh Chandra Yamuna Infra Pvt. Ltd. (DYIPL), Dinesh Chandra Vaishnodevi Infra Pvt. Ltd (DVIPL) Business, Dinesh Chandra Giriraj Infra Pvt. Ltd (DGIPL) Business and Dineshchandra Trans-Eastern Highways Pvt. Ltd. (DTEHPL) Business. Cube V is registered as a foreign portfolio investor, while the Target Businesses are engaged in the business of operating roads and highways in India.
Read more on PIB.
CCI dismisses complaint against IndiGo, Air India over alleged market dominance
11 March 2026
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) dismissed a complaint which alleged that InterGlobe Aviation and Air India were abusing their dominant position in the aviation market. The complainant alleged that the carriers were maintaining unconscionable and illegal rates of cancellation charges and imposing arbitrary conditions and prices for the sale of services. According to the complaint, InterGlobe Aviation, which operates IndiGo, held more than 65 per cent share in the domestic aviation sector, while Air India accounted for around 27 per cent. CCI, however, opined that there was no prima facie case of contravention of Sections 3 and 4 of the Competition Act, 2000.
Read more on The Economic Times.
German publishers reject Apple’s revised app tracking rules, urge antitrust fine
10 March 2026
German publishers and advertisers have called for the country’s competition regulator to fine Apple over proposed changes to its app tracking rules, saying they do not go far enough to resolve antitrust issues. The authority had sought feedback from the groups, which include media agencies and the German Association of the Branded Goods Industry, on the changes to its App Tracking Transparency tool. Apple had proposed to introduce neutral consent prompts for both its services and third-party apps and to align the wording, content and visual design of those messages.
Read more on Reuters.
Live Nation close to settling US antitrust suit without Ticketmaster sale
9 March 2026
Live Nation Entertainment is close to settling a federal antitrust lawsuit in a deal that would involve the sale of its Ticketmaster unit. This comes after the U.S. Justice Department and more than 24 states sued to break up Live Nation in May 2024, calling for a sale of Ticketmaster and alleging the companies illegally inflated concert ticket prices and harmed artists. The call for an examination of Live Nation’s acquisition of Ticketmaster in 2010 intensified after the company subjected Taylor Swift fans to buy tickets at high prices and hours-long online queues for her Eras Tour in 2022.
Read more on Reuters.
U.S. Senate Democrats aim bill at breakup of meatpacking companies
5 March 2026
The American meatpacking industry is facing renewed scrutiny from Democrats in the U.S. Senate who are pushing legislation aimed at limiting the market power of large processors and tightening rules in the beef sector. A bill was introduced on 4th March by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York that would require companies to focus on processing only one type of meat and to curb consolidation in the market. This is coming after long-faced bipartisan scrutiny on the meatpacking industry due to high levels of concentration.
Read more on Bloomberg and CPI.
CCI approves Central Bank’s additional stake buy in Generali Central
3 March 2026
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) announced that it has approved the acquisition of additional shareholding in Generali Central Insurance Company and Generali Central Life Insurance Company by the Central Bank of India. The clearance comes months after the bank consolidated its position in the joint ventures with Italy’s Assicurazioni Generali, which operate under the unified ‘Generali Central’ brand. In June 2025, the lender had acquired a 25.18% equity stake in Generali Central Life Insurance and a 24.91% stake in Generali Central Insurance.
Read more on The Economic Times.
Apple board, executives sued over anticompetitive conduct
3 March 2026
A shareholder on behalf of Apple Inc. has alleged that the company’s board and top executives are responsible for billions of dollars in penalties, settlements and other costs stemming from anticompetitive conduct. The retirement fund that brought the case to the court for the Northern District of California also claimed that directors and executives, including CEO Tim Cook, breached their fiduciary duties to Apple by allowing or furthering monopolistic conduct stretching back more than a decade.
UK’s competition regulator investigates anti-competitive conduct among hotel providers
2 March 2026
The UK’s competition regulator, the Competition and Markets Authority, is investigating the suspected sharing of competitively sensitive information among competing hotel providers via a hotel data services provider. The businesses, which include CoStar, Hilton, IHG and Marriott, are being investigated for possible infringement of Chapter I of the Competition Act, 1998.
Read more on Gov.UK.
Live Nation to appear before US jury over monopoly claims
2 March 2026
The U.S.’s largest concert promoter, Live Nation Entertainment Inc., heads to a jury trial over claims by the U.S. Justice Department and more than 36 states that the company is illegally monopolising the live music industry and should be forced to shed its Ticketmaster unit. Live Nation has denied that it operates an illegal monopoly even as it has endured nearly two decades of antitrust scrutiny. Antitrust enforcers allege that Live Nation operated “mutually reinforcing” monopolies to force venues and artists to use its services. The U.S. government, meanwhile, claims that the company controls 65% of the concert promotion market.
Read more on Bloomberg.
Belgium opens antitrust probe into Google’s online advertising practices
27 February 2026
Belgium’s competition regulator said that it had opened an investigation into the sale of online ads by Google and whether it constituted an abuse of the company’s dominant market position. While the investigation is in a preliminary phase, Google is already being the subject of several European Union antitrust investigations and has been fined billions of euros in Europe for antitrust violations in recent years. Earlier in February, Google said it also risked another antitrust investigation by the European Commission over concerns it may be unfairly driving advertising prices higher.
Microsoft’s Japan chief stresses compliance with antitrust probe into Azure services
26 February 2026
The head of Microsoft Corporation’s Japanese unit said that the company is complying with Japan’s competition authorities as they examine possible anti-competitive practices involving the Azure cloud services. The country’s Fair Trade Commission is probing whether Microsoft restricted customers’ use of non-Azure platforms. This investigation comes as the U.S. Federal Trade Commission ratchets up a probe into Microsoft’s licensing and other business practices to see whether the company illegally monopolises the enterprise computing market with its cloud software and AI offerings.
Vanguard settles antitrust suit for $29.5 million in Texas
26 February 2026
Vanguard Group will pay $29.5 million and bolster its passive investing approach in order to settle a suit by 13 Republican state attorneys general claiming the fund manager and rivals violated antitrust law through their climate activism. The states sued three firms, namely, Vanguard, BlackRock and State Street, in 2024 over actions like their membership in industry trade groups focused on climate change, which the Republicans said served to reduce coal production and boost energy prices. All three remain major fossil-fuel industry shareholders, rejecting calls to boycott coal and oil stocks over climate concerns.
Read on Reuters.
Apple and Amazon took too long to remove anti-competitive clauses, Spanish regulator says
25 February 2026
Spain’s regulator ruled that Apple and Amazon took too long to take out anti-competitive clauses outlining Amazon’s conditions as an Apple distributor that the companies had been told to remove immediately. The CNMC regulator had filed a claim against the two companies for 194 million euros ($228 million) in total in July 2023 over those clauses and ordered their immediate removal from distribution contracts. It said that they unfairly restricted the number of Apple resellers on Amazon’s website in Spain. The regulator had also alleged at the time that the clauses limited the amount of space on Amazon’s Spanish website where Apple competitors’ products could be advertised and prevented Amazon from running marketing campaigns.
Read more on Reuters.
House Democrats open inquiry into ouster of U.S. antitrust chief Gail Slater
25 February 2026
Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee demanded a briefing from the U.S Justice Department on the removal of Gail Slater, who was forced to resign as head of the antitrust division among tensions with the Trump administration. In a letter to the attorney general, Jamie Raskin sought a briefing on the role of Trump-connected lobbyists in Slater’s removal, after she tried to block a $14 billion merger between Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Juniper Networks. This request for a briefing has the potential to become a much larger investigation should the Democratic Party reclaim the House majority in the upcoming midterm elections.
Read more on The Guardian.
Eleven US states urge DOJ to thoroughly probe Netflix-Warner Bros. deal
25 February 2026
Attorney Generals of the Republican Party from 11 U.S. states have urged the U.S. Department of Justice to conduct a thorough review of Netflix’s bid to acquire studio and streaming assets from Warner Bros., claiming the deal threatens U.S. dominance in movies. They also cited opposition from movie theatre industry groups concerned that the deal would decrease the number of theatrical releases. The pressure is mounting on Netflix after Warner Bros Discovery opened the door to consider Paramount Skydance’s increased bid of $31 per share.
Read more on Reuters.
US antitrust enforcers to revamp guidelines on competitors collaborating
24 February 2026
The US Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission will open a public inquiry to inform new guidelines for businesses on the bounds of the law when it comes to collaborating with competitors. The agencies are calling for public input on what types of new practices and technologies they should address in the guidance. The previous guidelines were issued in 2000, and these were withdrawn by the President Joe Biden administration in 2024 after claims that they were outdated.
Read more on Reuters.
WhatsApp agrees to comply with CCI’s data sharing policy by March 16
23 February 2026
WhatsApp told the Supreme Court that it will comply with the directions issued by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in connection with the case of user content for data sharing with its parent, Meta, under the controversial 2021 privacy policy update. The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) had earlier directed Meta to implement CCI’s safeguards within three months. The batch of pleas filed by WhatsApp and Meta, along with a separate appeal of the CCI challenging one of the NCLAT findings, arose from the CCI’s order imposing a 213 crore penalty on Meta for WhatsApp’s 2021 “take it or leave it” privacy policy.
Read more on The New Indian Express.
U.S. Justice Department sues OhioHealth for anticompetitive healthcare contracts
20 February 2026
The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, together with the Attorney General of Ohio, filed a civil antitrust lawsuit today challenging OhioHealth Corporation’s anticompetitive contract restrictions that force Ohio patients to pay higher healthcare prices. The complaint seeks to enjoin OhioHealth, the largest healthcare system in central Ohio, from enforcing its anticompetitive contractual terms and continuing to suppress healthcare competition. It is alleged that the company used its market power to impose contractual restrictions that impede or prevent insurers from offering innovative, money-saving health-insurance plans or plan features.
Read more on Department of Justice.
UK raises antitrust concerns in Getty-Shutterstock merger
19 February 2026
Britain’s competition watchdog, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), said it had provisionally found concerns about the UK editorial content supply in the proposed merger between U.S.-based Getty Images and rival Shutterstock, but cleared the deal in the global stock content market. Both companies said they disagreed with the regulator’s finding and plan to file responses by the March 12 deadline, while continuing to work with the U.S Department of Justice on its ongoing review of the deal. The $3.7 billion deal would combine two of the largest global providers of visual content. The CMA had previously announced in November 2025 that it would move the transaction into a more in-depth Phase 2 investigation after determining that the remedies proposed by the companies did not sufficiently address its competition concerns.
CCI approves the acquisition of portfolio management services business of Axis Securities by Axis Asset Management Company
18 February 2026
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of the portfolio management services business of Axis Securities Limited (Transferor) by Axis Asset Management Company Limited (Acquirer) in India (Target Business). The Acquirer manages a mutual fund business and is also engaged in the business of providing portfolio management services.
Read more on PIB.
CCI approves merger of Hinduja Leyland Finance with and into NDL Ventures
18 February 2026
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the proposed merger of Hinduja Leyland Finance with and into NDL Ventures. The proposed combination seeks to merge and consolidate Hinduja Leyland Finance's businesses into NDL Ventures, which currently has no active operations. Hinduja Leyland Finance operates as a non-banking financial company (NBFC)- Asset Finance company that focuses on providing small size ticket loans for urban and semi-urban retail customers.
Read more on PIB.
European Commission closes antitrust investigation on Edwards Lifesciences
16 February 2026
The European Commission has decided to close its antitrust investigation into allegedly anticompetitive behaviour by Edwards Lifesciences, a producer of medical devices for cardiovascular applications. The move follows the company’s withdrawal of its so-called Global Unilateral Pro-Innovation Policy (UPIP), which is no longer applicable and has been removed from the company’s website. The inspections, which started in September 2023 was to investigate whether conduct by Edwards Lifesciences could breach EU antitrust rules that prohibit abuses of dominant market position. In particular, the Commission has been looking into whether the company may have limited physicians’ freedom to participate in clinical trials and other scientific activities sponsored or supported by a competing manufacturer of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) devices.
Read more on the European Commission.
China issues new anti-monopoly rules for internet platforms
13 February 2026
China’s market regulator has released anti-monopoly guidelines for internet platforms to help prevent collusion and unfairly high prices. The new framework focuses particularly on the use of algorithms and other sophisticated tools that could enable platforms to coordinate prices or manage traffic distribution in ways that undermine fair competition. Authorities also labelled “all-network lowest price” requirements as a risk, prohibiting dominant platforms from forcing merchants to lower prices on their platforms whenever they drop prices elsewhere. The regulator also clarified that even companies with less market share could still face monopoly investigations if they impose conditions requiring merchants to offer them prices or terms that are equal to or better than those offered to rival platforms.
U.S. antitrust chief Gail Slater ousted from Trump justice department
12 February 2026
The head of the U.S. Justice Department’s antitrust division, Gail Slater, stepped down less than a year after being appointed by President Donald Trump, marking the highest profile casualty in a battle within the administration over policing anti-competitive conduct. Slater, a veteran antitrust attorney, was confirmed in March 2025 to head the division which enforces laws against illegal monopolies. Her defenestration followed a strained relationship with the attorney general, Pam Bondi, and her isolation outside the department. The decision marks a victory for Bondi and Donald Trump lobbyists, who had grown increasingly frustrated with Slater when she sought to block a $14 billion merger between Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Juniper Networks over its potential to create a duopoly in the market.
Read more on The Guardian and Reuters.
CCI imposes penalty on Intel Corp. for discriminatory India-specific warranty policy
12 February 2026
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed a penalty of Rs 27.38 crores on Intel Corporation for its India-specific warranty policy in respect of boxed microprocessors. An order has been passed under the provisions of Section 27 of the Competition Act, 2002, imposing the penalty for contravention of provisions of Section 4 of the Act. The case originated from the information filed by Matrix Info Systems Private Limited under Section 19(1)(a) of the Act, which alleged that the policy only entertained warranty requests for Intel boxed microprocessors in India when the same are purchased from an authorised Indian distributor of Intel. The CCI held Intel to be dominant in the market for boxed microprocessors in India and found the policy to be discriminatory in comparison with the company’s policies in other countries.
Read more on PIB.
BlackRock executives hit with investor lawsuit over alleged climate collusion
10 February 2026
American financial services company BlackRock and some of its corporate leaders are facing an investor lawsuit that accuses them of mounting an illegal campaign to curb coal production across the United States. The lawsuit, filed by a shareholder in the Texas federal court, claims BlackRock leaders used the asset management firm’s sizable holdings in major coal companies to pressure them into cutting production. BlackRock allegedly misled investors by marketing some of its funds as unrelated to environmental or social objectives while still using the shares held in those funds to support a climate-related agenda. The lawsuit said BlackRock’s directors approved and oversaw the alleged scheme despite the antitrust risks and in breach of their fiduciary duties to shareholders.
Read more on Reuters.
Google secures EU antitrust approval for $32 billion Wiz acquisition
10 February 2026
Google gained unconditional European Union’S (EU) antitrust approval for its $32 billion acquisition of cybersecurity company Wiz, its biggest ever deal, after regulators said the deal would not raise any competition concerns. The deal, announced in March 2026, is said to boost Google’s presence in cybersecurity and in the cloud computing sector, where it competes with bigger rivals Amazon and Microsoft. EU’s competition authority, the European Commission, said any data acquired by Google via the deal is not commercially sensitive and can also be assessed by other security software companies.
Read more on Reuters.
Google hit by European Publishers Council against AI Overviews
10 February 2026
The European Publishers Council (EPC) has hit Google with an antitrust complaint over its AI-generated summaries known as AI Overview, a move that could add weight to an ongoing EU investigation into the issue. Rivals have voiced concerns that Big Tech’s dominance in new technologies could shut them out, while publishers have been critical of tech giants using their content without paying them. The EPC said that Google relies on its control of online search to secure access to content without payment, echoing similar EU antitrust concerns. The Commission has said Google may be abusing its market power as a search engine to impose unfair trading conditions on publishers.
Read more on The Economic Times.
Israel’s antitrust body to fine airline $39 million for price gouging during war
8 February 2026
Israel’s Competition Authority said on Sunday it planned to levy a fine of 121 million shekels, which is approximately $39 million, on flag carrier El Al Israel Airlines for setting excessive and unfair airfares during Israel’s Gaza war. The fine is the maximum allowed by law. The antitrust body said it reviewed the period from October 7, 2023, through May 2024 and found that El Al operated as a monopoly on 38 of the 53 routes it operated. It found that ticket prices rose by an average of 61%- and as much as 31%- noting that since most foreign carriers had halted flights, the airline “held market power”. The authority noted that findings of “excessive price gouging” are used rarely and cautiously by competition authorities worldwide.
Read more on Reuters.
U.S. antitrust body scrutinise Netflix’s $83 billion Warner Bros Discovery bid
8 February 2026
Netflix’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery for $83 billion has come under review by U.S. antitrust authorities. Officials at the U.S. Department of Justice are examining whether Netflix’s proposed $83 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery could raise competition concerns. Regulators have contacted industry participants to assess whether Netflix could gain excessive market power through the transaction. The review is said to involve both Section 2 of the Sherman Act, which addresses illegal monopolisation, and Section 7 of the Clayton Act, which prohibits deals that could substantially reduce competition.
Read more on CPI.
CCI to probe into IndiGo mass flight cancellations
6 February 2026
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) ordered an investigation into InterGlobe Aviation Ltd., which operates IndiGo, to probe allegations that the airline abused its dominant position following the mass cancellation of flights in December 2025 unleasing travel chaos. The Director General for Investigation has been asked to submit a report within 90 days, after which the CCI will decide on any further action. This is the latest blow for IndiGo after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation imposed a penalty last month.
Read more on Bloomberg.
NCLAT upholds CCI decision to close abuse of dominance case against NSE
6 February 2026
The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) dismissed an appeal challenging a Competition Commission of India (CCI) order closing allegations of abuse of dominant position against the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd (NSE) in relation to its co-location services in Manoj K Sheth v. Secretary. Competition Commission of India. A coram of Judicial Member Justice (Retd.) Faizal Alam Khan and Technical Member Naresh Salecha dismissed the appeal. The appeal arose from a complaint alleging that NSE had granted preferential and discriminatory access to select brokers through its co-location facility, thereby distorting the competition in the securities market. In its 2021 order, the CCI ruled that dominance by itself is not prohibited under competition law.
Read more on Bar and Bench.
FTC crackdown on law firm DEI efforts tests antitrust limits
5 February 2026
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission took a fresh tack last week in the federal government’s crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts, warning 42 major law firms that their hiring practices may violate U.S. antitrust law. By invoking alleged threats to competition, the strategy could bolster broader, ongoing efforts by President Donald Trump’s administration to combat DEI using anti-discrimination law. However, according to legal experts, bringing an antitrust case would face a high bar. The FTC issued letters to prominent firms like Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton and Garrison; Latham & Witkins; Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, and focused on their participation in a certification program aimed at expanding lawyers’ access to leadership positions. The letters that such agreements can distort competition for labour in the legal professions.
Read more on Reuters.
U.S. files appeal in Google antitrust case over search monopoly
4 February 2026
The U.S government and a majority of U.S. states will appeal the outcome of the landmark antitrust case against Alphabet’s Google, according to court papers. A Washington federal judge in 2024 ruled that Google has a monopoly in online search, but rejected the most stringent remedies. Their challenge will likely focus on the judge’s decision not to require Google to sell off its Chrome browser or end its lucrative arrangement with Apple to serve as the default search engine on new devices. Meanwhile, Google is already appealing U.S District Judge Amit Mehta’s ruling that it broke the law to starve off competition in online search and related advertising.
Read more on Reuters.
CCI approves subscription to 15.01% equity shareholding of Ambit Wealth Private Limited by Daiwa International Holdings Inc.
3 February 2026
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the subscription to 15.01% equity shareholding of Ambit Wealth Private Limited (Target) by Daiwa International Holdings Inc. (Acquirer). The proposed combination envisaged as a subscription to equity shares amounting to 15.01% shareholding, on a fully diluted basis, of the Target by the Acquirer.
Read more on PIB.
Supreme Court sets aside NCLAT order of CCI probe against Flipkart, sends back case for fresh adjudication
3 February 2026
The Supreme Court, after six years, has set aside an order of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) which directed the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to probe alleged violations of competition law by e-commerce giant Flipkart in Flipkart v. Competition Commission of India. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi remanded the matter back to the appellate tribunal for fresh adjudication. It held that the NCLAT must reconsider the case after taking into account Flipkart’s contention that the tribunal had relied on observations that were not legally relevant under the Competition Act, 2002.
Read more on The Economic Times and Bar and Bench.
Supreme Court to decide whether CCI can examine competition issues arising from patent disputes
2 February 2026
The Supreme Court of India has indicated that it will decide whether the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has jurisdiction to examine alleged anti-competitive conduct arising from the exercise of patent rights in CCI v. Swapna Dey. A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and Vijay Bishnoi stayed parts of a National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) judgment, which held that the Competition Act, 2002, does not apply where allegations of abuse of dominance stem from the exercise of patent rights. The NCLAT had held that such disputes fall exclusively within the domain of the Patents Act, 1970. The apex court has clarified that it will decide the matter only on the question of jurisdiction.
Read more on Bar and Bench.
New York federal judge dismisses antitrust case against major academic publishers on ‘peer review’ pay
31 January 2026
A New York federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit accusing some of the world’s largest academic publishers of thwarting competition by barring scholars from submitting papers to multiple journals simultaneously and denying pay for peer review. The lawsuit, involving major names such as Sage Publications, Springer Nature, Taylor & Francis, and Wolters Kluwer, centred on how academic journals handle manuscript submissions and peer review. It said that the practice of not paying scholars for peer reviews amounted to unlawful price-fixing, in violation of U.S. antitrust law. The lawsuit also said that the publishers unlawfully agreed not to compete with each other for manuscripts, reducing incentives to review and publish work more quickly. The researchers claimed the publishers together earned more than $10 billion in 2023 from peer-reviewed journals and sought to bring the case as a class action on behalf of “hundreds of thousands” of affected scholars.
Supreme Court quashes JioStar’s plea to halt CCI probe into alleged abuse of dominance in Kerala TV market
27 January 2026
The Supreme Court dismissed a plea filed by Reliance Industries-owned streaming platform JioStar seeking to halt a probe by the Competition Commission of India into allegations of abuse of dominant position and discriminatory pricing in Kerala’s television market. A bench of Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Sandeep Mehta said the matter is at a preliminary stage and CCI may be allowed to continue with its probe. The case arises from a complaint by Asianet Digital Network, Kerala’s major cable and TV distributor, which alleged JioStar’s dominance in the state and that it misused this position by offering preferential and discriminatory discounts to a rival, while denying similar terms to other distributors. Asianet alleged that these discounts of more than 50% were violative of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) rules, which only allow discounts up to 35%.
European Commission moves to make Google help AI, search rivals access its services
27 January 2026
The European Commission has said that Google will be given guidance by European Union (EU) antitrust regulators on how to help online search rivals and artificial intelligence developers access its services and its Gemini AI models. The company has been at the brunt of criticism from rivals who allege that it has an unfair advantage that it obtains from its market power. Google rejects these allegations made by its rivals, who are looking to the EU’s Digital Markets Act to give them a leg up. The regulators will inform how Google should grant third-party AI service providers equally effective access to the same features as those available to its own AI services, along with access to anonymised ranking, query, click and view data to third-party providers of online search engines.
Read more on Reuters.
CCI approves proposed acquisition of certain unit holding in National Highways Infra Trust by Nitro Asia Holdings II Pte. Ltd.
27 January 2026
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the proposed acquisition of certain unit holding in National Highways Infra Trust by Nitro Asia Holdings II Pte. Ltd. The proposed combination envisages the acquisition of certain unit holding of the Target by the Acquirer through on-market transactions on a registered stock exchange.
Read more on PIB.
JioStar moves Supreme Court against CCI probe over alleged abuse of dominance in Kerala TV market
25 January 2026
Reliance Industries-owned streaming platform JioStar has moved the Supreme Court of India, challenging the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) probe into alleged abuse of dominance and discriminatory pricing in Kerala’s television market. The company has challenged a December 2025 order of the Kerala High Court, which refused to stay the CCI’s investigation and directed it to complete the probe within eight weeks. The case arises from a complaint by Asianet Digital Network, Kerala’s major cable and TV distributor, which alleged JioStar’s dominance in the state and that it misused this position by offering preferential and discriminatory discounts to a rival, while denying similar terms to other distributors. Asianet alleged that these discounts of more than 50% were violative of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) rules, which only allow discounts upto 35%.
Read more on Mint.
Google must face consumer antitrust lawsuit over online search dominance, California federal judge rules
23 January 2026
Google has failed to persuade a California federal judge to dismiss a consumer lawsuit accusing the Alphabet unit of illegally using business agreements with major tech companies to shut out rivals in the online search market. Judge Rita Lin’s order said that the proposed class action had shown adequate evidence to move forward on their core claims alleging that Google violated federal antitrust laws in developing and maintaining its search dominance. The lawsuit filed in 2025 focuses on agreements Google made with mobile device manufacturers and others. In 2024, it was ruled in a U.S. Justice Department lawsuit that the company holds an illegal monopoly in online search.
Read more on Reuters.
India antitrust probe links Tata, JSW to steel cartel
23 January 2026
An antitrust investigation report shows that four major Indian steelmakers- Tata Steel, JSW Steel and state-run SAIL and RINL- disclosed their pricing plans to rivals and coordinated production cuts to reduce supplies. Earlier in January 2026, an investigation by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) had concluded that 28 firms colluded on steel prices, exposing them to face hefty fines. The latest findings focus on the four largest producers, which together control an estimated 44.4% of the domestic steel market. The investigation report that has not been made public shows the commission reviewed dozens of WhatsApp chats that were seized during 2022 industry raids and analysed pricing changes, sales and production patterns.
FTC says it will appeal Meta antitrust decision by U.S. district judge
21 January 2026
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission said that it will appeal the ruling in favour of Meta in its antitrust case given on Novemeber 2025. The FTC said it continues to allege that, for more than a decade, Meta Platforms Inc. has “illegally maintained a monopoly” in social networking through anticompetitive conduct by buying the significant competitive threats it identified in Instagram and WhatsApp.”Meta prevailed in the case that could have forced it to spin off Instagram and WhatsApp after U.S. District Judge James Boasberg ruled that the company does not hold a monopoly in social networking.
Read more on The Hindu and The Economic Times.
Indian law allowing penalty based on global turnover is illegal: Apple to Delhi High Court
20 January 2026
Apple has told the Delhi High Court that its challenge to the Indian law allowing retrospective penalties on global turnover is necessary, claiming that the provisions are illegal. The company has made these submissions in its rejoinder filed against a joint affidavit filed by the Indian government and the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to Apple’s writ petition. In its plea, the tech company challenged Section 27(b) of the Competition Act, 2002, as well as the provisions of the Competition Commission of India (Determination of Monetary Penalty) Guidelines, 2024. These provisions allow CCI to levy fines of up to 10 per cent of a company’s total global turnover for abuse of dominant position or entering into anti-competitive agreements. Apple has reiterated that the law provides untrammelled power and discretion to the CCI.
Read more on Bar and Bench and The Economic Times.
CCI approves acquisition of certain equity stake in Apollo Health and Lifestyle Limited by Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited
20 January 2026
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of a certain equity stake in Apollo Health and Lifestyle Limited (Target) by Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited (Acquirer). The Proposed Combination involves the acquisition by the Acquirer of an additional 30.58% shareholding in the Target. As of the date, the Acquirer already holds 68.84% shareholding in the Target, which will increase to 99.42% post-Proposed Combination.
Read more on PIB.
CCI approves acquisition of 50.01% equity share capital of Thriveni Pellets Pvt Ltd
20 January 2026
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of 50.01% equity share capital of Thriveni Pellets Pvt Ltd by Tata Steel Ltd. The proposed combination relates to Tata Steel Limited’s proposed acquisition of 50.01% equity share capital of Thriveni Pellets Private Limited (TPPL) from Thriveni Earthmovers Private Limited.
Read more on PIB.
Google appeals a US district judge’s verdict over search monopoly
17 January 2026
Google has appealed a US district judge’s landmark antitrust ruling that found the company illegally held a monopoly in online search. According to Google, the ruling by Judge Amit Mehta didn’t account for the pace of innovation and intense competition the company faces. While Judge Mehta acknowledged the rapid changes to Google’s business due to the emergence of artificial intelligence when he issued his remedies in September, he refused to grant government lawyers their request for a Google breakup. Instead, he pushed for less rigorous remedies, including a requirement that Google share certain data with “qualified competitors” as deemed by the court, and to allow certain competitors to display its search results as their own.
Read more on BBC.
India defends antitrust penalty law as Apple challenges multibillion-dollar fine
8 January 2026
The Indian government told a Delhi court that Section 27(b) of the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2002, will discourage breaches by multinational companies, while opposing Apple’s challenge to strike down the law. The regulation permits the CCI to levy fines of up to 10 per cent of a company’s total global turnover rather than limiting penalties to revenue generated within India. Regulators have said this change is meant to stop powerful companies from dismissing antitrust sanctions as a mere “cost of doing business.” Meanwhile, Apple, in its lawsuit, said the law may result in disproportionate fines for breaches that occurred only in India. Under this framework, Apple could face a potential fine estimated at around $38 billion, reflecting 10 per cent of its worldwide revenue.
India seeks fare data from airlines as part of IndiGo antitrust scrutiny
7 January 2026
The Indian government has asked IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet and Akasa to provide data on average fares charged, through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, as antitrust authorities investigate unprecedented travel disruptions in December. Pilot shortages at IndiGo, which dominates India’s aviation market with a 65% share, forced it to cancel about 4,500 flights last month, stranding thousands of passengers and disrupting air travel nationwide. The CCI, in December 2025, said it was proceeding against IndiGo to assess whether it had abused its market position.
Read more on The Economic Times.
CCI approves acquisition of Krosaki Harima Corporation by Nippon Steel Corporation
6 January 2026
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of 53.4% shareholding in Krosaki Harima Corporation by Nippon Steel Corporation. Nippon Steel holds an existing stake of 46.6% in Krosaki, and accordingly, pursuant to the Proposed Combination, Nippon Steel’s shareholding in Krosaki would be 100%.
Read more on PIB.
India probe finds Tata Steel, JSW Steel, SAIL breached antitrust law by colluding on prices, regulatory order shows
6 January 2026
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has found market leaders Tata Steel, JSW Steel, state-run Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), and 25 other firms breached antitrust law by colluding on steel selling prices. It has also held 56 top executives liable for price collusion over varying periods of time between 2015 and 2023. The findings stem from a long-running investigation into alleged coordination among steelmakers on pricing and supply, which the regulator concluded distorted competition in the domestic market over several years. The probe examined patterns of simultaneous price increases, aligned market behaviour and communication among firms and industry bodies, which the regulator said could not be explained by market forces alone.
Read more on Reuters and New India Express.
California Federal Judge Lays Down Rules for States Challenging HPE–Juniper Deal
1 January 2026
A federal judge in California has established the framework for a multistate legal challenge to the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) approval of Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s $14 billion purchase of Juniper Networks, amid allegations that the deal was politically tainted. The ruling follows a decision in December 2025 in which US District Judge Casey Pitts determined that the states are entitled to probe aspects of the settlement process. The agreement itself became controversial after two DOJ officials were dismissed for objecting to how HPE pursued the acquisition. The dispute centres around the scope of the Tunney Act, a 1974 law which requires court approval of antitrust settlements reached by the DOJ.
Apple Seeks to Appeal £1.5 bn UK Decision on App Store Purchases
26 December 2025
Apple applied to the Court of Appeal to challenge the October 2025 decision of the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal, which held that the company abused its dominant position and overcharged UK customers for years through the App Store. The case was originally filed by King’s College London academic Dr Rachel Kent, where the tribunal found that Apple’s control over app distribution on iPhones and iPads enabled it to charge commissions of up to 30 per cent. If the appeal fails, Apple may be forced to pay compensation to every UK customer who made App Store purchases between 2015 and 2024. Apple was previously denied permission to appeal from the tribunal itself, following which it applied to the Court of Appeals, which is still empowered to allow appeals.
Read more on The Guardian and CPI.
California becomes third U.S. state to issue state premerger requirements
10 February 2026
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed the California Uniform Antitrust Premerger Notification Act into law, making California the third state to adopt the Uniform Antitrust Premerger Notification Act, the federal law on the premerger notification regime. The California law is set to go into effect on 1 January 2027. The new law seeks to remedy the state concern of state attorneys general not having notice of deals and access to party information that is disclosed to the Federal Trade Commission or the U.S. Department of Justice without party consent.
Read more on California Legislative Information.