Page 3 - Cci

Consumer Affairs Ministry examining quick commerce competition issues

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal had said in August that the government is not opposed to e-commerce but is focused on ensuring fair competition between online and offline businesses

DPIIT refers complaint against quick e-commerce players to CCI: Report

DPIIT, which comes under the commerce and industry ministry, has referred a complaint of alleged unfair business practices against quick commerce players to the Competition Commission, according to sources. The complaint was submitted by the All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF) to the Union Commerce and Industry Ministry. Quick commerce platforms are those that typically deliver goods within 10 to 30 minutes. The Competition Commission of India (CCI), which works to ensure fair business practices across sectors in the marketplace, is already looking into alleged anti-competitive ways of e-commerce companies. The sources in the know on Friday said the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has referred a complaint made against quick commerce players to CCI. There was no immediate comment from CCI on the issue. When contacted for comments on the complaint, AICPDF President Darshil Patil said he has come to know that the letter writte

Govt notifies amendments in competition law related to CCI probe procedure

The government has notified a provision in the amended competition law related to investigation procedure whereby regulator CCI can issue show cause notices to parties concerned as well as grant them time to respond before passing a final order. The Competition Act, implemented by the corporate affairs ministry, was amended in April 2023 and subsequently, various provisions as well as related regulations have been notified. In a notification, the ministry said "provisions of clause (f) of section 19 of the said Act shall come into force," from September 19. This section pertains to the procedure for investigation by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). Upon completion of the investigation, the regulator can pass an order closing the matter or pass an order under Section 27. Under Section 27, CCI can penalise entities for anti-competitive practices. "Provided that before passing such order, the Commission shall issue a show cause notice indicating the contraventions alleged t

Google's plea against CCI order in android mobile case mentioned in SC

Google LLC on Thursday told the Supreme Court that the arguments in the case related to the tech giant's alleged anti-competitive practices in the Android mobile device matter may take five-six days. On March 29 last year, the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) had handed out a mixed verdict on Google's alleged anti-competitive practices in the case -- upholding a fine of Rs 1,338 crore but scrapping conditions like allowing hosting of third-party app stores on its Play Store. The top court is seized of cross-pleas of Google and the Competition Commission of India (CCI) challenging a verdict of an appellate tribunal in a case related to the tech giant's alleged anti-competitive practices in the Android mobile device matter. A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra has already listed the cross-pleas for hearing on Thursday. The pleas, however, are unlikely to reach for hearing during the day as the bench is seized of ...

CCI can appoint agencies to monitor implementation of its orders

Section 48A and 48B relate to commitment and settlement, respectively. Section 31 refers to orders on mergers and acquisitions

CCI selects Management Development Institute to conduct market study on AI

Fair trade watchdog CCI has selected the Management Development Institute Society (MDIS) to conduct a market study on artificial intelligence and competition that will examine various aspects, including potential competition issues in the AI ecosystems. In April this year, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) had issued a request for proposal to conduct the market study on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Competition. The Gurugram-based MDIS has been engaged to conduct the study that will seek to understand certain key AI ecosystems, including stakeholders, resources, value chains, market structures and parameters of competition, CCI said in a release on Friday. It will also examine the emerging and potential competition issues in these markets/ecosystems as well as look at the scope and nature of AI applications/use cases, and assess associated opportunities, risks and ramifications from a competition standpoint. Among other aspects, the study will focus on the existing and .

CCI gives nod to Dixon Technologies to acquire stake in Aditya Infotech

Fair trade regulator CCI on Tuesday granted its approval to Dixon Technologies' proposal to acquire a stake in Aditya Infotech Ltd. Dixon Technologies (India) Ltd is involved in the business of providing Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS). It provides EMS for lighting solutions, television, washing machines, security systems, wearables and hearables, among others. The regulator also cleared the acquisition of a stake in AIL Dixon Technologies by Aditya Infotech Ltd (AIL). "Commission approves the subscription of certain shares of Aditya Infotech Ltd (AIL) by Dixon Technologies (India) Ltd and the acquisition of certain shares of AIL Dixon Technologies Pvt Ltd by AIL," CCI said in a post on X. AIL Dixon Technologies is a joint venture (JV) company between AIL and Dixon Technologies India. It is engaged in manufacturing and assembling of ESS. During FY24, the JV recorded a revenue of Rs 632.62 crore. Aditya Infotech is engaged in the business of sourcing, distributing and marke

Digital firms with Rs 500 crore turnover must seek CCI approval for M&As

Any transaction where the "deal value" exceeds Rs 2,000 crore would be notifiable for the CCI's approval, provided that the target entity has "substantial business operations" in India

M&A deal value of over Rs 2,000 crore comes under Competition Act

The government aims to scrutinise mergers that might escape under the traditional "asset" or turnover-based thresholds

CCI gives nod to $8.5 bn Disney-Reliance media assets merger deal

CCI's nod comes with subject to "certain voluntary modifications"

Aiming to enhance efficiency, CCI proposes changes to recruitment rules

The Competition Commission of India has proposed changes to the recruitment rules, aiming to support the regulator's professional and administrative capacities in light of its growing obligations. These modifications are a vital step towards improving the CCI's effectiveness, given its enlarged mandate. The draft amendments pertain to the CCI (Salary, Allowances, Other Terms and Conditions of Service of the Secretary and Officers and Other Employees of the Commission and the number of such Officers and Other Employees) rules. These changes necessitate the recruitment of additional officers at the feeder level to ensure efficient and timely bound manner. In a consultation paper released by CCI, the regulator proposed "introduction of direct recruitment at level-10 and level-8 of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) for professional and administrative stream officers, respectively". "For IT stream, it is proposed to have direct recruitment at Level-10 of 7th CPC", it added. The ...

CCI seeks Apple's reply on alleged violation of competition norms

Fair trade watchdog CCI has sought a reply from Apple on the investigation report which has found that the technology major allegedly violated competition norms with respect to its App Store, according to sources. The sources said the supplementary investigation report by the regulator's Director General (DG) has concluded that Apple allegedly abused its market dominance in the relevant market, violating various provisions of Section 4 of the competition law. In December 2021, Competition Commission of India (CCI) ordered a detailed probe against Apple after prima facie finding that the company abused its market dominance. The sources said the regulator was not satisfied with the initial report submitted by the DG and sought another probe on specific aspects. The supplementary investigation report was submitted to the CCI in June, they added. The watchdog has sent the non-confidential version of the report to Apple for its reply, the sources said and added that final hearings will

CCI sends antitrust queries to Reliance, Disney for $8.5 bn merger: Report

The CCI has also asked the companies details on which entity owns which sports rights and for how long, as well as information on who had bid for them previously

CCI antitrust probe finds Apple abused position in apps market: Report

The Indian investigation report comes as Apple faces increased antitrust scrutiny in other regions

Mitsubishi Corp gets CCI's approval to acquire stakes in two TVS group cos

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Tuesday said it has cleared Mitsubishi Corporation's proposed acquisition of stakes in TVS Certified and TVS Vehicle Mobility Solution. TVS Certified Pvt Ltd is engaged in the business of the sale of used vehicles by conducting auctions, mainly through offline channels in physical auction yards. "The proposed combination relates to Mitsubishi Corporation (Acquirer) acquiring an equity stake in TVS Certified Pvt Ltd (Target 1) and TVS Vehicle Mobility Solution Pvt Ltd (Target 2)," CCI said in a release. Mitsubishi Corporation is a global integrated business enterprise that develops and operates businesses in 90 countries. TVS Vehicle Mobility Solution is engaged in the business dealership and distribution of commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles and motor vehicle services and undertaking dealership and distribution of spare parts for vehicles for a specific manufacturer. In another release, CCI granted its clearance to BlackRock Fundi

CCI proposes amendments to general rules, seeks feedback from stakeholders

Fair trade regulator Competition Commission of India (CCI) has sought stakeholder comments on the proposed amendments to the CCI (General) Regulations, 2009, following recent changes to the Competition Act. The amendments came from the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023, which introduced new provisions and updating the existing ones in the Competition Act, 2002. The CCI has proposed updates to align the general regulations with the latest framework. As part of the proposed changes, the competition watchdog has detailed a process for implementing and monitoring its orders under various sections of the Act. This includes the appointment of independent agencies to oversee the implementation of the orders. These agencies, which could include, accounting firms, management consultancies, or professional organisations, will ensure compliance and reporting to any non-implementation to the CCI. Further, it will also maintain the confidentiality and avoid conflicts of interest. Additionally

CCI draft regulations: Company commitments to be closely watched

The monitoring agencies may include an accounting firm, management consultancy, any other professional organisation or chartered accountants, company secretaries or cost accountants

Cintra receives CCI's approval to acquire 24% stake in IRB Infra Trust

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Tuesday said it has approved Cintra's proposed acquisition of 24 per cent unitholding in IRB Infrastructure Trust and MMK Toll Road Pvt Ltd. Cintra InvIT Investments BV (Cintra SPV 1) and Cintra IM Investments BV (Cintra SPV 2) collectively belong to the Netherlands-based Ferrovial group. "The proposed combination involves the acquisition of approximately 24 per cent of the issued and outstanding unitholding (on a fully-diluted basis) along with certain commercially negotiated rights in the Private InvIT (IRB Infra Trust) by Cintra SPV 1. "Simultaneous acquisition of approximately 24 per cent equity shareholding along with the right to nominate a director on the board of directors of the IM of the Private InvIT by Cintra SPV 2," CCI said in a release. Ferrovial group is a global developer of transport infrastructure, mobility solutions, engineering and is engaged in the construction of civil works and buildings. The sponsors of IRB ...

Shinhan Bank receives CCI approval to acquire 11% stake in HDFC Credila

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has cleared South Korea-based Shinhan Bank's proposed acquisition of an 11 per cent stake in HDFC Credila Financial Services. Part of the Shinhan Financial Group, Shinhan Bank Co Ltd is a multinational bank, which commenced operations in India in 1996. "The proposed combination relates to the acquisition of up to approximately 11 per cent shareholding by Shinhan Bank in HDFC Credila by way of subscription to shares of HDFC Credila," CCI said in a release on Tuesday. HDFC Credila Financial Services, is a Reserve Bank of India (RBI)-registered non-deposit taking non-banking financial company. It is primarily engaged in the business of providing education loans in India and overseas. In another release, the competition watchdog granted its approval to Matrix Pharma to acquire 100 per cent stake in Tianish Laboratories. The acquisition will be funded in part by an investment proposed to be made by the investors in optionally convertible debent

CCI extends deadline of bidding for AI impact research to June 28

Fair trade regulator CCI has issued clarifications on the bidding for conducting the study on artificial intelligence and its impact on competition, and has extended the deadline for submission of bids till June 18. Earlier, the deadline for the bids was June 3. In a set of clarifications, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) said bids cannot be submitted through a consortium or a joint venture. Among other eligibility requirements, the minimum annual turnover of Rs 50 crore has been retained for the bidders. "The Request For Proposal (RFP) does not provide for submission of bids through a consortium or joint venture. Turnover of the group companies may, however, be included only to meet the eligibility criterion of Rs 50 crore," the regulator said in a communication dated May 24. The last date for submission of bids is June 18 and the financial bids will be opened on July 11. The study will cover various aspects, including the ways AI-driven personalised recommendations, ...