Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill

Session 2012 - 13
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Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill

Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill
Schedule 8 — Mergers: time-limits
162

consequence of the giving of a merger notice under section 96 if it is
considering whether to make a reference under section 22 or 33 in
relation to—
(a)
arrangements of which notice is given in the merger notice or
arrangements which do not differ from them in any material
5
respect, or
(b)
the creation of any relevant merger situation which is, or may
be, created in consequence of carrying such arrangements
into effect.
(5)
Nothing in this section applies where section 34A(2) or 46A(2)
10
applies (duties where case referred by the European Commission).
34ZB
Extension of time-limits
(1)
The CMA may extend the initial period mentioned in section
34ZA(1) if it considers that a relevant person has failed (with or
without a reasonable excuse) to comply with any requirement of a
15
notice under section 109 in relation to the case in question.
(2)
In subsection (1), “relevant person” means—
(a)
any person carrying on any of the enterprises concerned;
(b)
any person who (whether alone or as a member of a group)
owns or has control of any such person; or
20
(c)
any officer, employee or agent of any person mentioned in
paragraph (a) or (b).
(3)
For the purposes of subsection (2), a person or group of persons able,
directly or indirectly, to control or materially to influence the policy
of a body of persons corporate or unincorporate, but without having
25
a controlling interest in that body of persons, may be treated as
having control of it.
(4)
Where an intervention notice is in force in relation to the matter
concerned, the CMA may extend the initial period by no more than
20 working days.
30
(5)
The CMA may by notice extend the initial period if the European
Commission is considering a request made, in relation to the matter
concerned, by the United Kingdom (whether alone or with others)
under article 22(1) of the EC Merger Regulation (but is not yet
proceeding with the matter in pursuance of such a request).
35
(6)
An extension under subsection (1) or (4) comes into force when
published under section 107.
(7)
An extension under subsection (1) continues in force until—
(a)
the person concerned provides the information or documents
to the satisfaction of the CMA or (as the case may be) appears
40
as a witness in accordance with the requirements of the CMA;
or
(b)
the CMA publishes its decision to cancel the extension.
(8)
An extension under subsection (5) shall be for the period which—
(a)
begins when notice is given under that subsection, and
45

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(b)
ends when the CMA gives notice of the completion by the
European Commission of its consideration of the request of
the United Kingdom.
(9)
In this section, “working day” has the same meaning as in section
34ZA.
5
34ZC
Sections 34ZA and 34ZB: supplementary
(1)
An extension of the period mentioned in section 34ZA(1) may be
made under each of subsections (1), (4) or (5) of section 34ZB.
(2)
No more than one extension is possible under section 34ZA(4).
(3)
Where a period is extended or further extended under section
10
34ZB(1), (4) or (5), the period as extended or (as the case may be)
further extended shall, subject to subsections (4) and (5), be
calculated by taking the period being extended and adding to it the
period of the extension (whether or not those periods overlap in
time).
15
(4)
Subsection (5) applies where—
(a)
the period mentioned in section 34ZA(1) is further extended;
(b)
the further extension and at least one previous extension is
made under one or more of subsections (1) and (5) of section
34ZB; and
20
(c)
the same days or fractions of days are included in or comprise
the further extension and are included in or comprise at least
one such previous extension.
(5)
In calculating the period of the further extension, any days or
fractions of days of the kind mentioned in subsection (4)(c) are to be
25
disregarded.
(6)
The Secretary of State may by order do either or both of the
following—
(a)
amend section 34ZA so as to alter the period of 40 working
days mentioned in subsection (3) of that section or any period
30
for the time being mentioned in that subsection in
substitution for that period;
(b)
amend section 34ZB so as to alter the period of 20 working
days mentioned in subsection (4) of that section or any period
for the time being mentioned in that subsection in
35
substitution for that period.
(7)
But no alteration may be made by virtue of subsection (6) which
results in—
(a)
the period for the time being mentioned in section 34ZA(3)
exceeding 40 working days; or
40
(b)
the period for the time being mentioned in section 34ZB(4)
exceeding 20 working days.
(8)
Before making an order under subsection (6), the Secretary of State
shall consult the CMA and such other persons as the Secretary of
State considers appropriate.
45
(9)
In this section, “working day” has the same meaning as in section
34ZA.”

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Schedule 8 — Mergers: time-limits
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5     (1)
Section 39 (time-limits for investigations and reports) is amended as follows.
      (2)
In subsection (5) for “subsection (4)” substitute “this section”.
      (3)
After subsection (8) insert—
“(8A)
In the case of a report on a reference under section 33, the CMA may
provide that a specified period of no more than 3 weeks is to be
5
disregarded for the purposes of any time-limit for the preparation
and publication of the report which applies by virtue of this section
if—
(a)
a relevant person has so requested before the end of the
period of 3 weeks beginning with the date of the reference
10
concerned; and
(b)
the CMA reasonably believes that the arrangements in
question might be abandoned.
(8B)
If the CMA exercises the power under subsection (8A), the CMA
shall publish a notice to that effect.”
15
6
After section 41 (duty to remedy effects of completed or anticipated
mergers) insert—
“41A
Time-limit for discharging duty under section 41
(1)
The CMA shall discharge its duty under section 41(2) within the
period of 12 weeks beginning with the date on which it publishes the
20
report concerned under section 38.
(2)
The CMA may extend, by no more than 6 weeks, the period within
which its duty under section 41(2) shall be discharged if it considers
that there are special reasons for doing so.
(3)
The CMA may extend the period within which its duty under section
25
41(2) shall be discharged if it considers that a relevant person has
failed (whether with or without reasonable excuse) to comply with
any requirement of a notice under section 109 which is given in
relation to the reference.
(4)
In subsection (3), “relevant person” means—
30
(a)
any person carrying on any of the enterprises concerned;
(b)
any person who (whether alone or as a member of a group)
owns or has control of any such person; or
(c)
any officer, employee or agent of any person mentioned in
paragraph (a) or (b).
35
(5)
For the purposes of subsection (4), a person or group of persons able,
directly or indirectly, to control or materially to influence the policy
of a body of persons corporate or unincorporate, but without having
a controlling interest in that body of persons, may be treated as
having control of it.
40
(6)
An extension under subsection (2) or (3) comes into force when
published under section 107.
(7)
An extension under subsection (3) continues in force until—
(a)
the person concerned provides the information or documents
to the satisfaction of the CMA or (as the case may be) appears
45

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as a witness in accordance with the requirements of the CMA;
or
(b)
the CMA publishes its decision to cancel the extension.
41B
Section 41A: supplementary
(1)
A period extended under section 41A(2) may also be extended under
5
section 41A(3), and a period extended under section 41A(3) may also
be extended under section 41A(2).
(2)
No more than one extension is possible under section 41A(2).
(3)
Where a period is extended or further extended under section 41A(2)
or (3), the period as extended or (as the case may be) further
10
extended is, subject to subsections (4) and (5), to be calculated by
taking the period being extended and adding to it the period of the
extension (whether or not those periods overlap in time).
(4)
Subsection (5) applies where—
(a)
the period within which the CMA must discharge its duty
15
under section 41(2) is further extended;
(b)
the further extension and at least one previous extension is
made under section 41A(3); and
(c)
the same days or fractions of days are included in or comprise
the further extension and are included in or comprise at least
20
one such previous extension.
(5)
In calculating the period of the further extension, any days or
fractions of days of the kind mentioned in subsection (4)(c) are to be
disregarded.
(6)
The Secretary of State may by order amend section 41A so as to alter
25
either or both of the following periods—
(a)
the period of 12 weeks mentioned in subsection (1) of that
section or any period for the time being mentioned in that
subsection in substitution for that period;
(b)
the period of 6 weeks mentioned in subsection (2) of that
30
section or any period for the time being mentioned in that
subsection in substitution for that period.
(7)
But no alteration may be made by virtue of subsection (6) which
results in—
(a)
the period for the time being mentioned in section 41A(1)
35
exceeding 12 weeks; or
(b)
the period for the time being mentioned in section 41A(2)
exceeding 6 weeks.
(8)
Before making an order under subsection (6) the Secretary of State
shall consult the CMA and such other persons as the Secretary of
40
State considers appropriate.”
7
After section 73 (undertakings in lieu of references under section 22 or 33)

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insert—
“73A
Time-limits for consideration of undertakings
(1)
A party concerned who wishes to offer an undertaking to the CMA
for the purposes of section 73(2) must do so before the end of the
period of 5 working days beginning with—
5
(a)
the day after the CMA gives the person the notice required by
section 34ZA(1)(b); or
(b)
in a case where subsection (2) of section 34A applies, the day
after the CMA gives the person the notice required by
paragraph (b) of that subsection.
10
(2)
If an undertaking is offered for those purposes, the CMA shall,
before the end of the period of 10 working days beginning with the
day mentioned in subsection (1)—
(a)
decide whether there are reasonable grounds for believing
that the undertaking or a modified version of it might be
15
accepted by the CMA under section 73(2), and
(b)
if it considers that it might be, give notice to the person who
offered the undertaking that it is considering it.
(3)
If such a notice is given, the CMA shall decide whether to accept the
undertaking before the end of the period of 50 working days
20
beginning with the day mentioned in subsection (1).
(4)
The CMA may extend the period mentioned in subsection (3), by no
more than 40 working days, if it considers that there are special
reasons for doing so.
(5)
The CMA shall prepare and publish guidance in relation to the
25
exercise of its power under subsection (4).
(6)
The CMA may revise any such guidance and, where it does so, shall
publish the revised statement.
(7)
The CMA may extend the period mentioned in subsection (3) if it
considers that a relevant person has failed (with or without
30
reasonable excuse) to comply with any requirement of a notice given
under section 109 in relation to the case in question.
(8)
In subsection (7), “relevant person” means—
(a)
any person carrying on any of the enterprises concerned;
(b)
any person who (whether alone or as a member of a group)
35
owns or has control of any such person; or
(c)
any officer, employee or agent of any person mentioned in
paragraph (a) or (b).
(9)
For the purposes of subsection (8), a person or group of persons able,
directly or indirectly, to control or materially influence the policy of
40
a body of persons corporate or unincorporate, but without having a
controlling interest in that body of persons, may be treated as having
control of it.
(10)
An extension under subsection (4) or (7) comes into force when
published under section 107.
45
(11)
An extension under subsection (7) continues in force until—

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(a)
the person concerned provides the information or documents
to the satisfaction of the CMA or (as the case may be) appears
as a witness in accordance with the requirements of the CMA;
or
(b)
the CMA publishes its decision to cancel the extension.
5
(12)
In this section and section 73B, “working day” means any day which
is not—
(a)
a Saturday, a Sunday, Good Friday or Christmas Day, or
(b)
a day which is a bank holiday in England and Wales.
73B
Section 73A: supplementary
10
(1)
A period extended under section 73A(4) may also be extended under
section 73A(7), and a period extended under section 73A(7) may also
be extended under section 73A(4).
(2)
No more than one extension is possible under section 73A(4).
(3)
Where a period is extended or further extended under section 73A(4)
15
or (7), the period as extended or (as the case may be) further
extended is, subject to subsections (4) and (5), to be calculated by
taking the period being extended and adding to it the period of the
extension (whether or not those periods overlap in time).
(4)
Subsection (5) applies where—
20
(a)
the period within which the CMA must discharge its duty
under section 73A(3) is further extended,
(b)
the further extension and at least one previous extension is
made under section 73A(7), and
(c)
the same days or fractions of days are included in or comprise
25
the further extension and are included in or comprise at least
one such previous extension.
(5)
In calculating the period of the further extension, any days or
fractions of days of the kind mentioned in subsection (4)(c) are to be
disregarded.
30
(6)
The Secretary of State may by order amend section 73A so as to alter
one or more of the periods for the time being mentioned in the
section.
(7)
But no alteration may be made by virtue of subsection (6) which
results in—
35
(a)
the period mentioned in section 73A(1) exceeding 5 working
days;
(b)
the period mentioned in section 73A(2) exceeding 10 working
days;
(c)
the period mentioned in section 73A(3) exceeding 50 working
40
days;
(d)
the period mentioned in section 73A(4) exceeding 40 working
days.
(8)
Before making an order under subsection (6) the Secretary of State
shall consult the CMA and such other persons as the Secretary of
45
State considers appropriate.”

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8     (1)
Section 96 (merger notices) is amended as follows.
      (2)
In subsection (1), for the words from “of proposed arrangements” to the end
of the subsection substitute “of arrangements or proposed arrangements
which might have resulted or might result in the creation of a relevant
merger situation.”
5
      (3)
In subsection (2) after paragraph (a) (and before the “and” immediately
following it) insert—
“(aa)
shall contain the prescribed information;”.
      (4)
After subsection (2) insert—
“(2A)
Where the CMA is satisfied that a merger notice meets the
10
requirements of subsection (2), it shall give notice to that effect to the
person who gave the merger notice.”
      (5)
Omit subsections (3) and (4).
9
Sections 97 and 98 (period for considering merger notices) are omitted.
10    (1)
Section 99 (certain functions in relation to merger notices) is amended as
15
follows.
      (2)
In subsection (1), for “the period for considering any merger notice begins”
substitute “the initial period (within the meaning of section 34ZA) begins in
relation to the merger notice”.
      (3)
In subsection (5), for “the period for considering any merger notice”
20
substitute “the initial period (within the meaning of section 34ZA) in relation
to a merger notice”.
11    (1)
Section 100 (exceptions to protection given by merger notices) is amended as
follows.
      (2)
In subsection (1)—
25
(a)
in the words before paragraph (a), for “Section 96(3) does not”
substitute “Sections 22(3)(za) and 33(3)(za) do not”,
(b)
in those words, for “to the Commission” substitute “under section 22
or (as the case may be) 33”,
(c)
in paragraph (a), for “the period for considering the merger notice”
30
substitute “the initial period (within the meaning of section 34ZA) in
relation to the merger notice”,
(d)
in paragraph (c), omit the words from “by such time” to the end of
the paragraph, and
(e)
in paragraph (e), for “the period for considering the merger notice”
35
substitute “the initial period (within the meaning of section 34ZA) in
relation to the merger notice”.
      (3)
In subsection (2)—
(a)
in paragraph (a), for “section 22, 33 or 45” substitute “section 22 or
33”, and
40
(b)
in paragraph (b), for “section 96(3) does not” substitute “sections
22(3)(za) and 33(3)(za) do not”.
      (4)
In subsection (3), for “Section 96(3) does not” substitute “Sections 22(3)(za)
and 33(3)(za) do not”.