Tag: United Kingdom

BusinessStartupsTechnology

UK Competition Watchdog Probes Unite Group’s Student Accommodation Acquisition

British competition regulators have initiated a formal investigation into Unite Group’s proposed acquisition of rival student housing provider Empiric Student Property. The Competition and Markets Authority will examine potential market consolidation concerns in the UK student accommodation sector, with an initial decision expected by December 19.

Regulatory Scrutiny for Student Housing Merger

Britain’s competition watchdog has reportedly launched a formal investigation into Unite Group’s planned acquisition of peer Empiric Student Property, according to regulatory filings and industry reports. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) confirmed it has initiated a phase 1 probe into the transaction, which would consolidate two major players in the UK student accommodation market.

by Darren Holt
BusinessGovernmentTechnology

Google Challenges UK Regulator’s Market Dominance Designation for Mobile Ecosystem

Google has pushed back against the UK competition regulator’s designation of its mobile platform with strategic market status. The company argues Android and Chrome were designed to increase consumer choice rather than restrict competition.

Regulatory Designation Under New Powers

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority has formally designated Google’s mobile platform with Strategic Market Status under the Competition and Consumers Act 2024, according to reports. Sources indicate this designation covers Google’s Android operating system, Play Store, Chrome browser, and Blink engine. The new regulatory regime, which took effect January 1, 2025, reportedly grants the CMA expanded powers aimed at ensuring fair treatment for consumers and businesses.

by Darren Holt
BusinessGovernmentTechnology

UK Regulator Imposes Stricter Mobile Platform Regulations on Apple and Google

The UK Competition and Markets Authority has designated both Apple and Google with strategic market status for their mobile platforms. This move will subject the tech giants to stricter conduct requirements aimed at fostering greater market competition.

New Regulatory Framework for Mobile Platforms

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will implement stricter regulations on Apple and Google regarding their mobile platform operations, according to reports. The regulatory body has designated both technology companies as having “strategic market status” (SMS), which sources indicate will require them to adhere to specific conduct rules under new digital legislation that took effect this year.

by Marcus Linfield