Antitrust

The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) plans to issue cease-and-desist orders to four road maintenance companies for rigging bids on Metropolitan Expressway cleaning contracts. Two of the firms, including Tokyo-listed Subaru Enterprise, face fines totaling about ¥500 million ($3.3 million). The collusion dates back to around 2017, highlighting irregularities in the expressway's procurement process.

25. tammikuuta 2026 Raportoinut AI

South Korea's Fair Trade Commission announced on January 26 that it has blocked a Singapore-based private equity fund from acquiring the country's largest vehicle rental company, Lotte Rental, due to concerns over restricted market competition. The fund already owns SK Rent-a-Car, the nation's second-largest operator, and the deal would consolidate the top two firms under one entity. The commission highlighted potential anti-competitive effects in both short-term and long-term rental markets.

Lawmakers from both parties have raised antitrust concerns over Netflix's proposed acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery's studios and streaming unit, a deal valued at about $72–82 billion in various reports. Critics warn it could lead to higher prices and reduced choices for consumers, while Netflix insists the transaction would benefit subscribers, workers, and creators and is prepared for close scrutiny from U.S. regulators.

05. joulukuuta 2025 Raportoinut AI

A group of anonymous top Hollywood filmmakers has emailed an open letter to U.S. Congress members, urging them to block Netflix's potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery due to fears it would harm the theatrical film industry. The letter highlights concerns over shortened theatrical release windows and reduced market competition. Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery have declined to comment on the matter.

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority has designated Google with strategic market status in search and search advertising, confirming its substantial market power. This step under the new digital markets regime could lead to interventions promoting competition. Google has objected, highlighting its economic contributions to the UK.

08. lokakuuta 2025 Raportoinut AI

The US Supreme Court has denied Google's request to freeze upcoming changes to the Google Play Store while the company appeals an antitrust ruling. This decision allows the first phase of remedies, won by Epic Games, to proceed as scheduled. Developers will soon gain more flexibility in app distribution and payments on Android devices.