Initial enforcement orders and derogations in merger investigations
A consultation on draft guidance on the CMA’s use of initial enforcement orders (IEOs) and derogations in merger investigations.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is inviting views on our guidance on IEOs and derogations in merger investigations.
This guidance aims to supplement and clarify the guidance in Mergers: Guidance on the CMA’s Jurisdiction and Procedure (CMA2). It reflects experience gained since the current system was introduced in April 2014.
The purpose of an IEO is to prevent the further integration of the businesses of the parties. Merger parties often ask for (and the CMA grants, if appropriate) derogations to allow actions which otherwise would be in breach of the IEO.
The guidance sets out how the CMA uses IEOs and its approach to derogations.