Most Recent
NZ competition cop wants to block OfficeMax deal
New Zealand has asked the country's High Court to block Platinum Equity LLC's bid to buy OfficeMax Holdings Limited, echoing concerns voiced by Australia's competition regulator that the deal will hinder competition.
Global Briefing: AT&T merger challenge, EU bias, jail time in NZ
A possible challenge to the AT&T, Time Warner mega merger by the DOJ, an explanation for the EU's fascination with U.S. tech giants, and a win for New Zealand's consumer regulator. Here's the big competition and consumer protection news from around the globe this week.
Wesfarmers head slams dairy industry probes
The head of Wesfarmers has slammed inquiries into the dairy industry by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Senate, saying the industry needs better infrastructure, not inquiries.
Australian Unity to pay $620,000 for altering policies mid-year
Australian Unity will fork over $620,000 in compensation to policy holders after an investigation by the consumer regulator found the health insurer had moved the goal posts by altering dental benefits in annual policies halfway through the year.
LG appeal to clarify murky area of consumer law
The ACCC will have another go at its case against electronics giant LG next May, according to an order Thursday, and its appeal gives the full Federal Court a chance to clarify whether companies must inform consumers with faulty products of their rights under the Australian Consumer Law.
Judge OKs BrisConnections’ traffic expert in $2B suit
The judge overseeing a multibillion dollar consumer protection suit by the receiver of defunct toll road company BrisConnections against global engineering firm Arup has signed off on Brisconnections' key expert report over the objections of Arup.
Google blasts EU’s ‘novel theory’ in appeal of €2.4B fine
Google Inc. has hit back at the European Union for leveling a €2.4 billion antitrust fine, saying in a court filing released Monday that the decision was based on a "novel theory" that did not prove an injury to rivals.
Banks sidestep ACCC ruling on Apple Pay, join forces on app
Having failed to get the competition regulator's OK to jointly bargain with Apple Pay, three of Australia's largest banks are banding together to create their own smartphone app.
Seafolly suit says Seko deal no day at the beach
Aussie swimwear company Seafolly Pty Ltd has sued two units of global logistics giant Seko Group, saying they breached Australian consumer law by misrepresenting their capabilities in a shipping contract they entered into.
ASIC wins $1M in first fine for breach of best interests
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has won a $1 million penalty against a financial advice firm for breaching the so-called best interest duty, the first ever penalty imposed for such a violation.