By repeating “ch-ch-ch-ch-changes” in his famous song, David Bowie was reportedly trying to mirror the stuttered steps of growth. January 2025 was a month full of changes for the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). As with any changes, it is difficult to predict their effect precisely, only time will tell. Although we do not have a crystal ball, however, our longstanding and in-depth experience in UK competition law gives us unique insights on what to expect and most importantly how to adapt. In this update, we will cover some of these key changes including:   

• The entry into force of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCCA) and related updated guidance.
• An anticipated reform of the UK concurrency regime to extend to consumer protection.
• The exercise by the CMA of its new DMCCA powers to designate companies with Strategic Market Status (SMS).
• Last but not least, perhaps the changes that grabbed the headlines the most: the CMA has a new interim Chairperson and the UK government’s “steer” to the CMA’s CEO.

Continue Reading Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes… for the UK Competition and Markets Authority