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Competition watchdog extends housebuilder investigation

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An investigation into eight major UK housebuilder’s suspected breaches of competition has been extended by the government watchdog.  

Credit: G Creates / Unsplash

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched an investigation last February over concerns eight housebuilders may be exchanging competitively sensitive information. 

The investigation had been set to end in December last year.

However, the CMA has now extended the probe to May this year, for “further investigation: including additional evidence gathering, and CMA analysis and review”.

The eight house builders are…

  • Barratt Redrow 
  • Bellway 
  • The Berkeley Group
  • Bloor Homes
  • Persimmon 
  • Taylor Wimpey 
  • Vistry Group 

The CMA has yet to reach a view as to whether there is sufficient evidence of any infringement of competition law.

The watchdog said it will consider any representations it receives before any decision is taken as to whether competition law has been infringed.

Last October the CMA cleared the £2.5 billion merger between Barratt Developments and Redrow, which initially found the acquisition of Redrow by Barratt raised potential ‘competition concerns’.

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