Source: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2002/40/part/3/chapter/1/data.xht?view=snippet&wrap=true
Timestamp: 2019-07-22 10:49:09
Document Index: 698748708

Matched Legal Cases: ['art. 3', 'art. 2', 'art. 2', 'art. 2', 'art. 2', 'art. 2', 'art. 3', 'art. 2', 'art. 2', 'art. 3', 'art. 2', 'art. 2', 'art. 2', 'art. 3', 'art. 3', 'art. 2', 'art. 8', 'art. 2', 'art. 8', 'art. 4']

Chapter 1 U.K.Duty to make references
Duty to make references: completed mergersU.K.
22 Duty to make references in relation to completed mergersU.K.
(1)The OFT shall, subject to subsections (2) and (3), make a reference to the Commission if the OFT believes that it is or may be the case that—
(b)the creation of that situation has resulted, or may be expected to result, in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services.
(2)The OFT may decide not to make a reference under this section if it believes that—
(a)the market concerned is not, or the markets concerned are not, of sufficient importance to justify the making of a reference to the Commission; or
(b)any relevant customer benefits in relation to the creation of the relevant merger situation concerned outweigh the substantial lessening of competition concerned and any adverse effects of the substantial lessening of competition concerned.
(3)No reference shall be made under this section if—
(a)the making of the reference is prevented by section F1. . . 74(1) or 96(3) or paragraph 4 of Schedule 7;
(b)the OFT is considering whether to accept undertakings under section 73 instead of making such a reference;
(c)the relevant merger situation concerned is being, or has been, dealt with in connection with a reference made under section 33;
(d)a notice under section 42(2) is in force in relation to the matter or the matter to which such a notice relates has been finally determined under Chapter 2 otherwise than in circumstances in which a notice is then given to the OFT under section 56(1); [F2or]
(e)the European Commission is considering a request made, in relation to the matter concerned, by the United Kingdom (whether alone or with others) under article [F322(1) of the EC Merger Regulation] , is proceeding with the matter in pursuance of such a request or has dealt with the matter in pursuance of such a request[F4; or
(f)subject to subsection (3A), a reasoned submission requesting referral to the European Commission has been submitted to the European Commission under article 4(5) of the EC Merger Regulation.]
[F5(3A)Subsection (3)(f) shall cease to apply if the OFT is informed that a Member State competent to examine the concentration under its national competition law has, within the time permitted by Article 4(5) of the EC Merger Regulation, expressed its disagreement as regards the request to refer the case to the European Commission; and this subsection shall be construed in accordance with that Regulation.]
(4)A reference under this section shall, in particular, specify—
(a)the enactment under which it is made; and
(b)the date on which it is made.
(5)The references in this section to the creation of a relevant merger situation shall be construed in accordance with section 23, the reference in subsection (2) of this section to relevant customer benefits shall be construed in accordance with section 30 and the reference in subsection (3) of this section to a matter to which a notice under section 42(2) relates being finally determined under Chapter 2 shall be construed in accordance with section 43(4) and (5).
(6)In this Part “market in the United Kingdom” includes—
(7)In this Part “the decision-making authority” means—
(a)in the case of a reference or possible reference under this section or section 33, the OFT or (as the case may be) the Commission; and
(b)in the case of a notice or possible notice under section 42(2) or 59(2) or a reference or possible reference under section 45 or 62, the OFT, the Commission or (as the case may be) the Secretary of State.
F1Words in s. 22(3)(a) repealed (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 406(7), 411(2)(3), Sch. 19(1) (with transitional provisions in Sch. 18 and with Sch. 19 Note 1); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (subject to arts. 3(3), 11)
F2Word in s. 22(3) ceased to have effect (1.5.2004) by virtue of The EC Merger Control (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1079), reg. 2, Sch. para. 2(2)(a)
F3Words in s. 22(3)(e) substituted (1.5.2004) by The EC Merger Control (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1079), reg. 2, Sch. para. 2(2)(b)
F4S. 22(3)(f) and preceding word inserted (1.5.2004) by The EC Merger Control (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1079), reg. 2, Sch. para. 2(3)
F5S. 22(3A) inserted (1.5.2004) by The EC Merger Control (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1079), reg. 2, Sch. para. 2(4)
23 Relevant merger situationsU.K.
(1)For the purposes of this Part, a relevant merger situation has been created if—
C5Ss. 23-32 applied (with modifications) (20.6.2003) by The Enterprise Act 2002 (Protection of Legitimate Interests) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/1592), art. 2, Sch. 1
24 Time-limits and prior noticeU.K.
(1)For the purposes of section 23 two or more enterprises have ceased to be distinct enterprises at a time or in circumstances falling within this section if—
(a)the two or more enterprises ceased to be distinct enterprises before the day on which the reference relating to them is to be made and did so not more than four months before that day; or
(b)notice of material facts about the arrangements or transactions under or in consequence of which the enterprises have ceased to be distinct enterprises has not been given in accordance with subsection (2).
(2)Notice of material facts is given in accordance with this subsection if—
(a)it is given to the OFT prior to the entering into of the arrangements or transactions concerned or the facts are made public prior to the entering into of those arrangements or transactions; or
(b)it is given to the OFT, or the facts are made public, more than four months before the day on which the reference is to be made.
“made public” means so publicised as to be generally known or readily ascertainable; and
“notice” includes notice which is not in writing.
C6Ss. 23-32 applied (with modifications) (20.6.2003) by The Enterprise Act 2002 (Protection of Legitimate Interests) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/1592), art. 2, Sch. 1
25 Extension of time-limitsU.K.
(1)The OFT and the persons carrying on the enterprises which have or may have ceased to be distinct enterprises may agree to extend by no more than 20 days the four month period mentioned in section 24(1)(a) or (2)(b).
(2)The OFT may by notice to the persons carrying on the enterprises which have or may have ceased to be distinct enterprises extend the four month period mentioned in section 24(1)(a) or (2)(b) if it considers that any of those persons has failed to provide, within the period stated in a notice under section 31 and in the manner authorised or required, information requested of him in that notice.
(3)An extension under subsection (2) shall be for the period beginning with the end of the period within which the information is to be provided and which is stated in the notice under section 31 and ending with—
(a)the provision of the information to the satisfaction of the OFT; or
(b)if earlier, the cancellation by the OFT of the extension.
(4)The OFT may by notice to the persons carrying on the enterprises which have or may have ceased to be distinct enterprises extend the four month period mentioned in section 24(1)(a) or (2)(b) if it is seeking undertakings from any of those persons under section 73.
(5)An extension under subsection (4) shall be for the period beginning with the receipt of the notice under that subsection and ending with the earliest of the following events—
(a)the giving of the undertakings concerned;
(b)the expiry of the period of 10 days beginning with the first day after the receipt by the OFT of a notice from the person who has been given a notice under subsection (4) and from whom the undertakings are being sought stating that he does not intend to give the undertakings; or
(c)the cancellation by the OFT of the extension.
(6)The OFT may by notice to the persons carrying on the enterprises which have or may have ceased to be distinct enterprises extend the four month period mentioned in section 24(1)(a) or (2)(b) if the European Commission is considering a request made, in relation to the matter concerned, by the United Kingdom (whether alone or with others) under article [F622(1) of the EC Merger Regulation](but is not yet proceeding with the matter in pursuance of such a request).
(7)An extension under subsection (6) shall be for the period beginning with the receipt of the notice under that subsection and ending with the receipt of a notice under subsection (8).
(8)The OFT shall, in connection with any notice given by it under subsection (6), by notice inform the persons carrying on the enterprises which have or may have ceased to be distinct enterprises of the completion by the European Commission of its consideration of the request of the United Kingdom.
(9)Subject to subsections (10) and (11), where the four month period mentioned in section 24(1)(a) or (2)(b) is extended or further extended by virtue of this section in relation to a particular case, any reference to that period in section 24 or the preceding provisions of this section shall have effect in relation to that case as if it were a reference to a period equivalent to the aggregate of the period being extended and the period of the extension (whether or not those periods overlap in time).
(a)the four month period mentioned in section 24(1)(a) or (2)(b) is further extended;
(b)the further extension and at least one previous extension is made under one or more of subsections (2), (4) and (6); and
(11)In calculating the period of the further extension, any days or fractions of days of the kind mentioned in subsection (10)(c) shall be disregarded.
(12)No more than one extension is possible under subsection (1).
F6Words in s. 25(6) substituted (1.5.2004) by The EC Merger Control (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1079), reg. 2, Sch. para. 2(5)
C7Ss. 23-32 applied (with modifications) (20.6.2003) by The Enterprise Act 2002 (Protection of Legitimate Interests) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/1592), art. 2, Sch. 1
26 Enterprises ceasing to be distinct enterprisesU.K.
(1)For the purposes of this Part any two enterprises cease to be distinct enterprises if they are brought under common ownership or common control (whether or not the business to which either of them formerly belonged continues to be carried on under the same or different ownership or control).
(2)Enterprises shall, in particular, be treated as being under common control if they are—
(a)enterprises of interconnected bodies corporate;
(b)enterprises carried on by two or more bodies corporate of which one and the same person or group of persons has control; or
(c)an enterprise carried on by a body corporate and an enterprise carried on by a person or group of persons having control of that body corporate.
(3)A person or group of persons able, directly or indirectly, to control or materially to influence the policy of a body corporate, or the policy of any person in carrying on an enterprise but without having a controlling interest in that body corporate or in that enterprise, may, for the purposes of subsections (1) and (2), be treated as having control of it.
(4)For the purposes of subsection (1), in so far as it relates to bringing two or more enterprises under common control, a person or group of persons may be treated as bringing an enterprise under his or their control if—
(a)being already able to control or materially to influence the policy of the person carrying on the enterprise, that person or group of persons acquires a controlling interest in the enterprise or, in the case of an enterprise carried on by a body corporate, acquires a controlling interest in that body corporate; or
(b)being already able materially to influence the policy of the person carrying on the enterprise, that person or group of persons becomes able to control that policy.
C8Ss. 23-32 applied (with modifications) (20.6.2003) by The Enterprise Act 2002 (Protection of Legitimate Interests) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/1592), art. 2, Sch. 1
27 Time when enterprises cease to be distinctU.K.
(1)Subsection (2) applies in relation to any arrangements or transaction—
(a)not having immediate effect or having immediate effect only in part; but
(b)under or in consequence of which any two enterprises cease to be distinct enterprises.
(2)The time when the parties to any such arrangements or transaction become bound to such extent as will result, on effect being given to their obligations, in the enterprises ceasing to be distinct enterprises shall be taken to be the time at which the two enterprises cease to be distinct enterprises.
(3)In accordance with subsections (1) and (2) (but without prejudice to the generality of those subsections) for the purpose of determining the time at which any two enterprises cease to be distinct enterprises no account shall be taken of any option or other conditional right until the option is exercised or the condition is satisfied.
(4)Subsections (1) to (3) are subject to subsections (5) to (8) and section 29.
(5)The decision-making authority may, for the purposes of a reference, treat successive events to which this subsection applies as having occurred simultaneously on the date on which the latest of them occurred.
(6)Subsection (5) applies to successive events—
(a)which occur within a period of two years under or in consequence of the same arrangements or transaction, or successive arrangements or transactions between the same parties or interests; and
(b)by virtue of each of which, under or in consequence of the arrangements or the transaction or transactions concerned, any enterprises cease as between themselves to be distinct enterprises.
(7)The decision-making authority may, for the purposes of subsections (5) and (6), treat such arrangements or transactions as the decision-making authority considers appropriate as arrangements or transactions between the same interests.
(8)In deciding whether it is appropriate to treat arrangements or transactions as arrangements or transactions between the same interests the decision-making authority shall, in particular, have regard to the persons substantially concerned in the arrangements or transactions concerned.
C9Ss. 23-32 applied (with modifications) (20.6.2003) by The Enterprise Act 2002 (Protection of Legitimate Interests) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/1592), art. 2, Sch. 1
C10S. 27 applied (with modifications) (20.6.2003) by The Enterprise Act 2002 (Anticipated Mergers) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/1595), art. 3
28 Turnover testU.K.
C11Ss. 23-32 applied (with modifications) (20.6.2003) by The Enterprise Act 2002 (Protection of Legitimate Interests) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/1592), art. 2, Sch. 1
29 Obtaining control by stagesU.K.
(1)Where an enterprise is brought under the control of a person or group of persons in the course of two or more transactions (in this section a “series of transactions”) to which subsection (2) applies, those transactions may, if the decision-making authority considers it appropriate, be treated for the purposes of a reference as having occurred simultaneously on the date on which the latest of them occurred.
(a)any transaction which—
(i)enables that person or group of persons directly or indirectly to control or materially to influence the policy of any person carrying on the enterprise;
(ii)enables that person or group of persons to do so to a greater degree; or
(iii)is a step (whether direct or indirect) towards enabling that person or group of persons to do so; and
(b)any transaction by virtue of which that person or group of persons acquires a controlling interest in the enterprise or, where the enterprise is carried on by a body corporate, in that body corporate.
(3)Where a series of transactions includes a transaction falling within subsection (2)(b), any transaction occurring after the occurrence of that transaction is to be disregarded for the purposes of subsection (1).
(4)Where the period within which a series of transactions occurs exceeds two years, the transactions that may be treated as mentioned in subsection (1) are any of those transactions that occur within a period of two years.
(5)Sections 26(2) to (4) and 127(1), (2) and (4) to (6) shall apply for the purposes of this section to determine—
(a)whether an enterprise is brought under the control of a person or group of persons; and
(b)whether a transaction is one to which subsection (2) applies;
as they apply for the purposes of section 26 to determine whether enterprises are brought under common control.
(6)In determining for the purposes of this section the time at which any transaction occurs, no account shall be taken of any option or other conditional right until the option is exercised or the condition is satisfied.
C12Ss. 23-32 applied (with modifications) (20.6.2003) by The Enterprise Act 2002 (Protection of Legitimate Interests) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/1592), art. 2, Sch. 1
C13S. 29 applied (with modifications) (20.6.2003) by The Enterprise Act 2002 (Anticipated Mergers) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/1595), art. 3
30 Relevant customer benefitsU.K.
(1)For the purposes of this Part a benefit is a relevant customer benefit if—
(a)it is a benefit to relevant customers in the form of—
(i)lower prices, higher quality or greater choice of goods or services in any market in the United Kingdom (whether or not the market or markets in which the substantial lessening of competition concerned has, or may have, occurred or (as the case may be) may occur); or
(b)the decision-making authority believes—
(i)in the case of a reference or possible reference under section 22 or 45(2), as mentioned in subsection (2); and
(ii)in the case of a reference or possible reference under section 33 or 45(4), as mentioned in subsection (3).
(2)The belief, in the case of a reference or possible reference under section 22 or section 45(2), is that—
(a)the benefit has accrued as a result of the creation of the relevant merger situation concerned or may be expected to accrue within a reasonable period as a result of the creation of that situation; and
(b)the benefit was, or is, unlikely to accrue without the creation of that situation or a similar lessening of competition.
(3)The belief, in the case of a reference or possible reference under section 33 or 45(4), is that—
(a)the benefit may be expected to accrue within a reasonable period as a result of the creation of the relevant merger situation concerned; and
(b)the benefit is unlikely to accrue without the creation of that situation or a similar lessening of competition.
(4)In subsection (1) “relevant customers” means—
(a)customers of any person carrying on an enterprise which, in the creation of the relevant merger situation concerned, has ceased to be, or (as the case may be) will cease to be, a distinct enterprise;
(b)customers of such customers; and
(c)any other customers in a chain of customers beginning with the customers mentioned in paragraph (a);
and in this subsection “customers” includes future customers.
C14Ss. 23-32 applied (with modifications) (20.6.2003) by The Enterprise Act 2002 (Protection of Legitimate Interests) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/1592), art. 2, Sch. 1
31 Information powers in relation to completed mergersU.K.
(1)The OFT may by notice to any of the persons carrying on the enterprises which have or may have ceased to be distinct enterprises request him to provide the OFT with such information as the OFT may require for the purpose of deciding whether to make a reference under section 22.
C15Ss. 23-32 applied (with modifications) (20.6.2003) by The Enterprise Act 2002 (Protection of Legitimate Interests) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/1592), art. 2, Sch. 1
32 Supplementary provision for purposes of sections 25 and 31U.K.
(1)The Secretary of State may make regulations for the purposes of sections 25 and 31.
(a)provide for the manner in which any information requested by the OFT under section 31 is authorised or required to be provided, and the time at which such information is to be treated as provided (including the time at which it is to be treated as provided to the satisfaction of the OFT for the purposes of section 25(3));
(b)provide for the persons carrying on the enterprises which have or may have ceased to be distinct enterprises to be informed, in circumstances in which section 25(3) applies—
(i)of the fact that the OFT is satisfied as to the provision of the information requested by it or (as the case may be) of the OFT’s decision to cancel the extension; and
(ii)of the time at which the OFT is to be treated as so satisfied or (as the case may be) of the time at which the cancellation is to be treated as having effect;
(c)provide for the persons carrying on the enterprises which have or may have ceased to be distinct enterprises to be informed, in circumstances in which section 25(5) applies—
(i)of the OFT’s decision to cancel the extension; and
(ii)of the time at which the cancellation is to be treated as having effect;
(d)provide for the time at which any notice under section 25(4), (5)(b), (6) or (8) is to be treated as received;
(e)provide that a person is, or is not, to be treated, in such circumstances as may be specified in the regulations, as acting on behalf of a person carrying on an enterprise which has or may have ceased to be a distinct enterprise.
(3)A notice under section 25(2)—
(a)shall be given within 5 days of the end of the period within which the information is to be provided and which is stated in the notice under section 31; and
(b)shall inform the person to whom it is addressed of—
(i)the OFT’s opinion as mentioned in section 25(2); and
(ii)the OFT’s intention to extend the period for considering whether to make a reference.
(4)In determining for the purposes of section 25(1) or (5)(b) or subsection (3)(a) above any period which is expressed in the enactment concerned as a period of days or number of days no account shall be taken of—
C16Ss. 23-32 applied (with modifications) (20.6.2003) by The Enterprise Act 2002 (Protection of Legitimate Interests) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/1592), art. 2, Sch. 1
Duty to make references: anticipated mergersU.K.
33 Duty to make references in relation to anticipated mergersU.K.
(a)arrangements are in progress or in contemplation which, if carried into effect, will result in the creation of a relevant merger situation; and
(b)the creation of that situation may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services.
(a)the market concerned is not, or the markets concerned are not, of sufficient importance to justify the making of a reference to the Commission;
(b)the arrangements concerned are not sufficiently far advanced, or are not sufficiently likely to proceed, to justify the making of a reference to the Commission; or
(c)any relevant customer benefits in relation to the creation of the relevant merger situation concerned outweigh the substantial lessening of competition concerned and any adverse effects of the substantial lessening of competition concerned.
(a)the making of the reference is prevented by section F7. . . 74(1) or 96(3) or paragraph 4 of Schedule 7;
(c)the arrangements concerned are being, or have been, dealt with in connection with a reference made under section 22;
(d)a notice under section 42(2) is in force in relation to the matter or the matter to which such a notice relates has been finally determined under Chapter 2 otherwise than in circumstances in which a notice is then given to the OFT under section 56(1); [F8or]
(e)the European Commission is considering a request made, in relation to the matter concerned, by the United Kingdom (whether alone or with others) under article [F922(1) of the EC Merger Regulation] , is proceeding with the matter in pursuance of such a request or has dealt with the matter in pursuance of such a request.[F10; or
[F11(3A)Section 33(3)(f) shall cease to apply if the OFT is informed that a Member State competent to examine the concentration under its national competition law has, within the time permitted by Article 4(5) of the EC Merger Regulation, expressed its disagreement as regards the request to refer the case to the European Commission; and this subsection shall be construed in accordance with that Regulation.]
F7Words in s. 33(3)(a) repealed (29.12.2003) by Communications Act 2003 (c. 21), ss. 406(7), 411(2)(3), Sch. 19(1) (with transitional provisions in Sch. 18 and with Sch. 19 Note 1); S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 (subject to arts. 3(3), 11)
F8Word in s. 33(3) ceased to have effect (1.5.2004) by virtue of The EC Merger Control (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1079), reg. 2, Sch. para. 2(6)(a)
F9Words in s. 33(3)(e) substituted (1.5.2004) by The EC Merger Control (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1079), reg. 2, Sch. para. 2(6)(b)
F10S. 33(3)(f) and preceding word inserted (1.5.2004) by The EC Merger Control (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1079), reg. 2, Sch. para. 2(7)
F11S. 33(3A) inserted (1.5.2004) by The EC Merger Control (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1079), reg. 2, Sch. para. 2(8)
34 Supplementary provision in relation to anticipated mergersU.K.
(1)The Secretary of State may by order make such provision as he considers appropriate about the operation of sections 27 and 29 in relation to—
[F1234ZATime-limits for decisions about referencesU.K.
(1)In carrying out its function of deciding whether to make a reference under section 22 or 33, the CMA shall, within the initial period—
(a)decide whether the duty to make a reference under the section applies (taking account of the power under section 22(2) or (as the case may be) 33(2) and the operation of section 22(3) or (as the case may be) 33(3)); and
(b)inform the persons carrying on the enterprises concerned by notice of the decision and of the reasons for it.
(2)Nothing in this section prevents the CMA from making a reference under section 22 or 33 in the event that—
(a)it decides that the duty to make a reference does not apply because it is considering whether to accept undertakings under section 73; but
(b)no such undertakings are offered or accepted.
“the initial period” means (subject to any extension under section 34ZB) the period of 40 working days beginning with—
where the CMA is carrying out its function in consequence of the giving of a merger notice under section 96, the first working day after the day on which the CMA gives notice under section 96(2A) to the person who gave the merger notice, and
in any other case, the first working day after the day on which the CMA informs the persons carrying on the enterprises concerned by notice that it has sufficient information to enable it to begin an investigation for the purposes of deciding whether to make a reference;
a Saturday, a Sunday, Good Friday or Christmas Day, or
a day which is a bank holiday in England and Wales.
(4)For the purposes of paragraph (a) in the definition of “initial period” in subsection (3), the CMA is carrying out its function in consequence of the giving of a merger notice under section 96 if it is considering whether to make a reference under section 22 or 33 in relation to—
(a)arrangements of which notice is given in the merger notice or arrangements which do not differ from them in any material respect, or
(b)the creation of any relevant merger situation which is, or may be, created in consequence of carrying such arrangements into effect.
(5)Nothing in this section applies where section 34A(2) or 46A(2) applies (duties where case referred by the European Commission).
F12Ss. 34ZA-34ZC inserted (25.4.2013 for specified purposes) by Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), s. 103(1)(i)(3), Sch. 8 para. 4
34ZBExtension of time-limitsU.K.
(1)The CMA may extend the initial period mentioned in section 34ZA(1) if it considers that a relevant person has failed (with or without a reasonable excuse) to comply with any requirement of a notice under section 109 in relation to the case in question.
(3)For the purposes of subsection (2), a person or group of persons able, directly or indirectly, to control or materially to influence the policy of a body of persons corporate or unincorporate, but without having a controlling interest in that body of persons, may be treated as having control of it.
(4)Where an intervention notice is in force in relation to the matter concerned, the CMA may extend the initial period by no more than 20 working days.
(5)The CMA may by notice extend the initial period if the European Commission is considering a request made, in relation to the matter concerned, by the United Kingdom (whether alone or with others) under article 22(1) of the EC Merger Regulation (but is not yet proceeding with the matter in pursuance of such a request).
(6)An extension under subsection (1) or (4) comes into force when published under section 107.
(7)An extension under subsection (1) continues in force until—
(8)An extension under subsection (5) shall be for the period which—
(a)begins when notice is given under that subsection, and
(b)ends when the CMA gives notice of the completion by the European Commission of its consideration of the request of the United Kingdom.
(9)In this section, “working day” has the same meaning as in section 34ZA.
34ZCSections 34ZA and 34ZB: supplementaryU.K.
(1)An extension of the period mentioned in section 34ZA(1) may be made under each of subsections (1), (4) or (5) of section 34ZB.
(2)No more than one extension is possible under section 34ZB(4).
(3)Where a period is extended or further extended under section 34ZB(1), (4) or (5), the period as extended or (as the case may be) further extended shall, subject to subsections (4) and (5), be calculated by taking the period being extended and adding to it the period of the extension (whether or not those periods overlap in time).
(a)the period mentioned in section 34ZA(1) is further extended;
(b)the further extension and at least one previous extension is made under one or more of subsections (1) and (5) of section 34ZB; and
(6)The Secretary of State may by order do either or both of the following—
(a)amend section 34ZA so as to alter the period of 40 working days mentioned in subsection (3) of that section or any period for the time being mentioned in that subsection in substitution for that period;
(b)amend section 34ZB so as to alter the period of 20 working days mentioned in subsection (4) of that section or any period for the time being mentioned in that subsection in substitution for that period.
(a)the period for the time being mentioned in section 34ZA(3) exceeding 40 working days; or
(b)the period for the time being mentioned in section 34ZB(4) exceeding 20 working days.
(8)Before making an order under subsection (6), the Secretary of State shall consult the CMA and such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
(9)In this section, “working day” has the same meaning as in section 34ZA.]
[F13Cases referred by European Commission under EC Merger RegulationU.K.
F13Ss. 34A, 34B and preceding cross-heading inserted (1.5.2004) by The EC Merger Control (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1079), reg. 2, Sch. para. 2(9)
34A Duty of OFT where case referred by the European CommissionU.K.
(1)Subsection (2) applies if the European Commission has by a decision referred the whole or part of a case to the OFT under Article 4(4) or 9 of the EC Merger Regulation, or is deemed to have taken such a decision, unless an intervention notice is in force in relation to that case.
(2)Before the end of the preliminary assessment period, the OFT shall—
(a)decide whether to make a reference to the Commission under section 22 or 33; and
(b)inform the persons carrying on the enterprises concerned by notice of that decision and of the reasons for it.
(3)The OFT may, for the purposes of subsection (2), decide not to make a reference on the basis that it is considering whether to seek or accept undertakings under section 73 instead of making a reference; but a decision taken on that basis does not prevent the OFT from making a reference under section 22 or 33 in the event of no such undertakings being offered or accepted.
“the preliminary assessment period” means, subject to subsection (5), the period of 45 working days beginning with the day after the day on which the decision of the European Commission to refer the case is taken (or is deemed to have been taken); and
(b)a Sunday; or
(c)a day which is a European Commission holiday (as published in the Official Journal of the [F14European Union] before the beginning of the year in which it occurs).
(5)If the OFT has imposed a requirement under section 34B and it considers that the person on whom that requirement was imposed has failed to comply with it, the OFT may, by notice to the persons carrying on the enterprises concerned, extend the preliminary assessment period.
(6)The period of an extension under subsection (5) shall—
(a)begin with the end of the period within which the requirement under section 34B could be complied with; and
(b)end with the earlier of either compliance with the requirement to the satisfaction of the OFT or cancellation by the OFT of the extension.
(a)be given within 5 working days of the end of the period mentioned in paragraph (a) of that subsection; and
(b)inform the person to whom it is addressed that the OFT is of the opinion mentioned in subsection (5) and that it intends to extend the preliminary assessment period.
F14Words in Act substituted (22.4.2011) by The Treaty of Lisbon (Changes in Terminology) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/1043), arts. 2, 3, 4 (with art. 3(2)(3), 4(2), 6(4)(5))
34B Power to request information in referred casesU.K.
(1)In a case mentioned in section 34A(1), the OFT may by notice to any of the persons carrying on the enterprises concerned request him to provide the OFT with such information as the OFT may require for the purpose of making a decision for the purposes of section 34A(2).
(b)the period within which the information is to be provided;
(c)the manner (if any) in which the information is required to be provided; and
(d)the possible consequences—
(i)of not providing the information within the stated period; and
(ii)if a manner for its provision is stated in the notice, of not providing it in that manner.]
C17Ss. 35, 36, 47, 63, 134 and 141 extended (20.6.2003) by 1977 c. 37, s. 50A(6) (as inserted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 8(2)); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8)
C18Ss. 35, 36, 47, 63, 134 and 141 extended (20.6.2003) by 1977 c. 37, s. 50A(6) (as inserted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 8(2)); S.I. 2003/1397 {art. 2(1)}, Sch. (with art. 8)
C19S. 36(2)(a)(b) modified (20.6.2003) by The Enterprise Act 2002 (Anticipated Mergers) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/1595), art. 4
(2)[F15Where article 9(6) of the European Merger Regulations applies in relation to the reference under section 22 or 33, the Commission shall prepare and publish its report under section 38—
F15S. 39(2) ceased to have effect (1.5.2004) by virtue of The EC Merger Control (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1079), reg. 2, Sch. para. 2(10)
(1)[F16No extension is possible under subsection (3) or (4) of section 39 where the period within which the report is to be prepared and published is determined by virtue of subsection (2)(b) of that section.]
(2)[F16Where the period within which the report is to be prepared and published is determined by virtue of subsection (2)(a) of section 39, no extension is possible under subsection (3) or (4) of that section which extends that period beyond such period as is necessary to ensure compliance with article 9(6) of the European Merger Regulations.]
(b)[F16the period of 24 weeks mentioned in subsection (2)(a) of that section or any period for the time being mentioned in that subsection in substitution for that period;]
(9)No alteration shall be made by virtue of subsection (8) which results in the period for the time being mentioned in subsection (1) [F17or (2)(a)] of section 39 exceeding 24 weeks or the period for the time being mentioned in subsection (3) of that section exceeding 8 weeks.
F16S. 40(1)(2)(8)(b) ceased to have effect (1.5.2004) by virtue of The EC Merger Control (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1079), reg. 2, Sch. para. 2(11)(a)
F17Words in s. 40(9) ceased to have effect (1.5.2004) by virtue of The EC Merger Control (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1079), reg. 2, Sch. para. 2(11)(b)
[F1841ATime-limit for discharging duty under section 41U.K.
F18Ss. 41A, 41B inserted (25.4.2013 for specified purposes) by Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), s. 103(1)(i)(3), Sch. 8 para. 6