The UK’s competition watchdog has paused its investigation into the decision to award the West Coast Rail franchise to First Group after the company offered to make changes to the deal.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced last week it would escalate its probe into First Group’s joint venture with Trenitalia on the route unless the companies agreed to make changes, such as imposing a price cap on the line.
The regulator stated it had “reasonable grounds” to believe adaptations offered by the companies could satisfy its concerns.
Under its phase one investigation, the CMA highlighted competition concerns on 21 routes where passengers would only be able to choose between train companies affiliated with First Group.
An initial investigation found that the joint venture could “lead to higher fares and less availability of cheaper tickets.”
Full Content: City AM
Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.
Featured News
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines Enter Timing Agreement with DOJ
Mar 28, 2024 by
CPI
Sam Bankman-Fried Gets 25-Year Sentence for $8B Crypto Fraud
Mar 28, 2024 by
CPI
Walmart Withdraws and Refiles Antitrust Review Application for Vizio Acquisition
Mar 28, 2024 by
CPI
Apple Prevails in Dismissal of Crypto-Payment Antitrust Lawsuit
Mar 27, 2024 by
CPI
Amazon Fined in Poland for Misleading Customers
Mar 27, 2024 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – Real Estate & Antitrust
Mar 27, 2024 by
CPI
Systematic National Evidence of Steering by Real Estate Agents
Mar 27, 2024 by
CPI
Compliance Now! Actionable Antitrust Advice for the Residential Real Estate Industry
Mar 27, 2024 by
CPI
Real Estate Commissions: Some Insights from the Economics of Multi-Sided Platforms
Mar 27, 2024 by
CPI
New Ideas for Promoting Real Estate Brokerage Price Competition
Mar 27, 2024 by
CPI