Conduct in the pharmaceutical sector investigation
The CMA investigated a suspected breach of competition law in relation to the pharmaceutical sector. The investigation was under Chapter II of the CA98 and Article 102 of the TFEU.
Case Reference: CE/9855-14
Case timetable
First published: June 2014
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| June 2015 | Decision to close the investigation on administrative priority grounds |
| December to June 2015 | Further investigation including further analysis and potential further information requests and stakeholder meetings |
| November 2014 | Decision on whether to proceed with investigation or to close the investigation |
| September 2014 | Potential state of play meetings with parties under investigation |
| June to October 2014 | CMA analysis and review of parties’ responses to information requests |
| June to October 2014 | Initial investigation: information gathering, including issuance of formal or informal information requests and parties’ responses |
| 24 June 2014 | Investigation opened |
Change log
The following changes have been made to the case timetable since it was first published in June 2014:
| Date of change | Reason for change | Change made to timetable |
|---|---|---|
| 31 March 2015 | Additional time needed to gather and analyse additional evidence | Estimated timing of decision on whether to proceed with the investigation or to close the investigation revised from March 2015 to June 2015 |
Case closure statement and guidance on rebates and discounts
26 June 2015: The CMA has closed its investigation into conduct in the pharmaceutical sector on the grounds of administrative priorities.
The reasons for closing the investigation are set out in the CMA’s case closure statement. In order to provide general guidance to businesses and their advisers, the statement also describes some of the circumstances in which the provision of rebates or discounts by a dominant company may raise competition concerns.
- (26.6.15)
Contacts
Team leader
Brian Jackson (0203 738 6546, brian.jackson@cma.gsi.gov.uk)
Project director
George Lusty (0203 738 6702, george.lusty@cma.gsi.gov.uk)
Senior responsible officer
Ann Pope (0203 738 6786, ann.pope@cma.gsi.gov.uk)