Competition law of the UK and EC, 2nd ed.

Book abstract:

The first edition of this book was published in 1999: a new second edition is justified now as in this relatively short time there have been major changes, both at the domestic and Community level. The 'old' UK regime, in particular the Restrictive Trade Practices Acts, are no longer considered in the text as they have been replaced by the new regime that came into force on 1 March 2000. At the Community level, there has been considerable activity. The EC Commission has announced its plans for a reform of the way in which exemptions are granted under article 81 of the EC Treaty which will have a major effect on the pattern of enforcement. It has also radically overhauled its block exemptions, and issued new guidelines on vertical agreements and draft guidelines on horizontal competition. These new developments are covered in the updated text.

The book includes full commentary relating to the Competition Act 1998, including the relevant secondary legislation and guidelines. The text introduces readers to the basic economic principles underpinning the law: the regulatory agencies; theories and practice of enforcement; and the substantive rules relating to agreements, monopolies and mergers. Common law rules are dealt with to the extent that they remain relevant. The book concludes with an examination of the problems caused by the increase of globalisation.

Chapters cover: The European Community and United Kingdom regulatory regimes; Investigation; Penalties; Third-party rights; An introduction to the economics of agreements, collusion and parallel conduct; Article 81; Block exemptions under Article 81; The control of anti-competitive agreements under UK law; An introduction to the economics of monopoly abuse; Article 82; Single firm conduct in the United Kingdom; Monopoly anti-competitive practices; Merger control and joint ventures; The impact of Community law in the United Kingdom and the Member States; The common law and competition; and International issues and the globalisation of competition law. Also included are a table of cases, decisions and reports and a table of statutes.

This is a clear and well-structured introductory text for both practitioners and students of the subject.