https://www.webberwentzel.com//Pages/RSS-Feeds.aspx Webber Wentzel feed en-us Copyright 2020 Sun, 16 Aug 2026 18:43:12 +0200 Sample Code http://server/image.jpg https://www.webberwentzel.com//Pages/RSS-Feeds.aspx 5947b802-1ed4-400a-bb7b-574ef84b128e 49bec56d-5bdd-49f2-911f-c0d1335860d4 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/south-africa-raises-merger-thresholds-what-it-means-for-your-deal.aspx With effect from 1 May 2026, the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC) increased the mandatory merger thresholds and filing fees. It has been almost a decade since the merger thresholds and filing fees were last increased, in an investment climate marked by slow economic growth and regulatory hurdles. 2026-05-10T22:00:00Z 29eaf97f-9d28-44a3-aa6d-4e5feb5e6721 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/could-the-proposed-merger-threshold-increase-lead-to-a-more-efficient-merger-process.aspx On 27 January 2026, the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC) proposed new merger notification thresholds and filing fees. It has been almost a decade since the merger thresholds were last increased in an investment climate marked by slow economic growth and regulatory hurdles. 2026-01-27T22:00:00Z c527b90c-21ce-4fa7-a231-bffccc87c3e8 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/turning-tariffs-into-strategy-south-africas-competition-law-pivot.aspx On 2 April 2025, the United States (US) administration issued an executive order imposing a baseline 10% import duty on nearly all goods entering the US. Higher country specific tariff rates were also applied, with South Africa subject to a 30% duty. 2025-09-01T22:00:00Z c7b235d7-9bf8-4d96-89b1-2a4013dce3f4 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/practical-considerations-when-implementing-esop-and-hdp-transactions.aspx Employee share ownership programmes (ESOPs) and HDP (historically disadvantaged persons) transactions have gained prominence in the context of mergers and acquisitions, where the South African competition authorities have increasingly conditionally approved mergers subject to ESOPs or HDP transactions to address public interest concerns. 2025-08-27T22:00:00Z b1d8fc5f-15d4-4055-951e-d4b186c13aee https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-shortlisted-in-20-categories-for-the-2025-african-legal-awards.aspx Webber Wentzel has been shortlisted in 20 categories for the 2025 African Legal Awards, a recognition that reflects the firm’s depth of expertise and impact across the African legal and business landscape. 2025-07-03T22:00:00Z fe02f7ff-7d46-459c-85c2-4033479cbd24 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/competition-commission-draws-distinction-between-pure-internal-restructurings-and-minority-shareholder-transactions.aspx The Competition Commission recently published guidelines aiming to provide clarity on whether internal restructurings require prior approval from the competition authorities. 2025-05-29T22:00:00Z 54c981a2-2587-44c0-9377-3c9a25d18925 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/merging-ahead-navigating-south-africas-complex-competition-landscape.aspx The last quarter of 2024 and the beginning of 2025 were marked with a flurry of activity by the South African competition authorities, which signalled a shift from their recent overemphasis on public interest effects of mergers, to age-old competition considerations. 2025-05-15T22:00:00Z 0be8b6e8-c5da-40b7-ae53-b6436867ef4e https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/the-agricultural-sector-can-overcome-the-impact-of-potential-agoa-exit.aspx The hostile disposition of the United States' (US) President Donald Trump towards South Africa raises serious concerns about the possible exclusion of South Africa as a beneficiary of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) which is set for renewal in 2025. 2025-04-07T22:00:00Z 4f10603c-a73f-4293-a825-c5aa747fdf07 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/usa-tariffs-increase-on-south-african-imports.aspx On 2 April 2025, the President of the United States of America (USA), Donald Trump, issued an executive order imposing an additional 10% import duty on nearly all imports into the USA. 2025-04-03T22:00:00Z b2932549-4d32-4bb3-adf6-e9f2cab8a7cc https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-cti-law-developments-in-2024-and-2025-outlook.aspx ​In this document, our Competition and Trade Law team explores the key developments of 2024 and provides insights into what lies ahead in 2025. 2025-03-10T22:00:00Z d4c7d0a0-a898-444e-83c0-33e08d550a37 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/south-africa-is-making-moves-to-become-an-important-ev-manufacturer-in-the-future.aspx A year ago, South Africa was mired in loadshedding, with the importance and relevance of electric vehicles (EVs) far from the public imagination. How can a country that struggles to keep the lights on dedicate time and resources to building out an EV future? 2025-03-03T22:00:00Z 2c9655f8-4955-4cbc-9af7-a5ea37fb3701 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/the-intersection-between-border-security-and-trade-facilitation-opportunities-and-threats-presented-by-the-afcfta.aspx The establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a monumental step toward reshaping Africa’s economic landscape. Encompassing 54 of the 55 African Union member states, it aims to create a single market of approximately 1,4 billion people with a combined GDP of USD 2,4 trillion as of 2024. 2025-02-18T22:00:00Z 434f97df-bb6d-4c5f-bf0f-01ad47ce19d0 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-celebrates-its-chambers-global-2025-rankings.aspx ​​​Webber Wentzel has once again affirmed its position as a leading law firm in South Africa with outstanding results in the Chambers Global 2025 rankings. The firm has secured 15 Band 1 category rankings, maintaining its status as the top-ranked Band 1 firm in the country. 2025-02-13T22:00:00Z 5f6aabb1-6e57-42a7-89b3-75d10f10a77f https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/competition-commission-aims-to-provide-clarity-on-internal-restructurings.aspx The legal position on whether internal restructurings within South African businesses require prior approval from the competition authorities has been uncertain for some time. In a welcome development, on 24 January 2025, the Competition Commission took steps to clarify this issue by publishing draft guidelines on internal restructurings. 2025-01-28T22:00:00Z 3553b736-83d6-4fad-af5d-e162ccef0076 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/the-rise-of-regional-and-continental-competition-regulators-good-for-m-and-a-or-cause-for-concern.aspx Competition laws are being enforced in most African countries. In the past year, several new national and regional competition regulators became operational, and plans are underway for the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to harmonise competition law across the continent. 2024-11-20T22:00:00Z 33b0928f-9533-4960-acaa-eb692f08f90f https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/global-antitrust-enforcement-index-2024.aspx Webber Wentzel has collaborated with Linklaters on a publication analysing global antitrust enforcement trends from 2021 to 2023. The report highlights five significant trends observed across Asia, Europe, and the US, providing insights to help companies navigate the evolving regulatory landscape. 2024-10-07T22:00:00Z b616dd2d-88b7-4718-ad1e-ada6d578eb44 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-recognised-at-the-2024-african-legal-awards.aspx Webber Wentzel's excellence in Competition, Intellectual Property and Tax law, combined with an innovative approach to legal services, was recognised at the 2024 African Legal Awards held at the Houghton Hotel on Friday, 6 September 2024. 2024-09-08T22:00:00Z 8df9ceca-b1e7-4e4c-b2e0-6a733e5ceaf6 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/shortlisted-for-excellence-webber-wentzel-among-frontrunners-for-the-2024-african-legal-awards.aspx Webber Wentzel has been shortlisted in an impressive 19 categories at the prestigious African Legal Awards. This recognition underscores the firm's commitment to excellence and its leading role in the African legal landscape. 2024-07-08T22:00:00Z 792a0c88-14c1-4066-a865-42c4edc31e73 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/new-competition-laws-will-impact-business.aspx Before leaving his ministerial position, the outgoing Minister of Competition, Trade and Industry, Ebrahim Patel (the Minister), published two important regulations (one of which is in draft form). These regulations, relevant to all sectors of the economy, relate to commercial dealings amongst small businesses and agreements between suppliers, customers, and distributors. 2024-07-03T22:00:00Z 42a50140-576b-423b-80a1-17a3654edf6b https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/navigating-multi-jurisdictional-mergers-in-africa-requires-skill-collaboration-and-preparation.aspx The changing regulatory environment across Africa’s markets poses fresh challenges and opportunities to firms that wish to pursue multi-jurisdictional mergers. Navigating these challenges requires a deep understanding of the authorities that regulate mergers in their local markets, exceptional preparation, an eye for the most minute detail, patience, agility, and humility. 2024-05-20T22:00:00Z adf62cc2-a6e5-4af6-8edc-46d3d54d23bd https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-recognised-as-a-top-tier-firm-by-the-legal-500.aspx The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) 2024 guide has recognised Webber Wentzel as a top-tier firm. Notably, Webber Wentzel has been ranked as the leading law firm with the most Tier 1 rankings compared to all other firms ranked in South Africa, a status it has maintained for the past 11 years. 2024-03-26T22:00:00Z b43a1a19-762b-4cec-a6d0-33f019df99bd https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/the-competition-commission-publishes-revised-public-interest-guidelines.aspx On 20 March 2024, the Competition Commission of South Africa published revised Public Interest Guidelines relating to merger control. The Revised Guidelines follow the Draft Public Interest Guidelines, which were published for public comment in October 2023. 2024-03-25T22:00:00Z fce8a039-2ef4-46cf-927f-e742cb1ebaec https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/south-africa-to-begin-trading-under-the-african-continental-free-trade-agreement.aspx South Africa will commence preferential trade under the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on 31 January 2024. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) predicts that the AfCFTA could boost intra-Africa trade by up to 33%. 2024-01-30T22:00:00Z 24bd9b36-210b-4ee6-91f5-79f718ddd7c7 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/part-4-a-closer-look-at-the-competition-commissions-draft-public-interest-guidelines.aspx The South African Competition Commission's Draft Public Interest Guidelines provide insights into the Commission's likely approach when performing its evaluation of each public interest factor listed in the Competition Act during merger proceedings. 2024-01-24T22:00:00Z e9abc443-c27d-449e-9527-29b2cf7295a3 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/recent-legal-developments-relevant-to-private-equity.aspx In this overview, our experts highlight and provide insights on recent legal developments in tax, corporate, B-BBEE, competition, financial regulatory, projects, and employment that are relevant to private equity. 2023-12-03T22:00:00Z 849c6c15-f5ec-4714-accc-67f0984c8371 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/part-3-a-closer-look-at-the-competition-commissions-draft-public-interest-guidelines.aspx The Competition Commission's (Commission's) recently published Draft Public Interest Guidelines (Draft Guidelines) indicate the Commission's approach to assessing applications for merger approval that come before it. 2023-11-22T22:00:00Z fe029a8f-bf22-4a6c-bcc8-6aa0b171bd74 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/investment-and-transformation-in-south-africa-a-balance-between-two-imperatives.aspx Much has been said about the interplay between the need for investment to enhance socio-economic development, and transformation in South Africa. These are both critically important for growth of the South African economy and its stability. 2023-11-16T22:00:00Z 141c259a-e589-4af5-a0ad-99ad88558591 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/part-2-a-closer-look-at-the-competition-commissions-draft-public-interest-guidelines.aspx Assessing the effect of a transaction on employment in merger proceedings remains one of the key public interest considerations for the Competition Commission. 2023-10-22T22:00:00Z 77002b4d-15cd-4f42-8fd0-f6e777eb9094 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-won-the-employment-team-of-the-year-award-at-the-2023-african-legal-awards.aspx Webber Wentzel won Employment Team of the Year at the 2023 African Legal Awards for advising a vehicle fintech company on its organisational redesign and implementation in various African jurisdictions. 2023-10-15T22:00:00Z 8e0459de-dbb0-43af-9323-cb9e80881529 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/a-closer-look-at-the-competition-commissions-draft-public-interest-guidelines.aspx The Competition Commission’s draft Public Interest Guidelines articulate the Commission’s likely approach in imposing public interest considerations in merger approvals. 2023-10-12T22:00:00Z b73509b4-c6d8-4062-ab33-985fa3b2275d https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-won-the-competition-and-regulatory-team-of-the-year-award-at-the-2023-african-legal-awards.aspx Webber Wentzel won Competition and Regulatory Team of the Year at the 2023 African Legal Awards for advising Heineken International B.V. on its acquisition of South African wine and spirits maker, Distell Group Holdings Limited and its acquisition of NBL Investment Holdings (Pty) Limited, the holding company of Namibia Breweries Limited. 2023-10-02T22:00:00Z 0412f678-e312-4b92-8fe7-7c3762b006cf https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/competition-commissions-draft-public-interest-guidelines-for-mergers-published-for-public-comment.aspx Businesses have anxiously been seeking clarity on the application of public interest conditions in merger transactions. It is anticipated that the Competition Commission's draft public interest guidelines for mergers will provide some clarity on its approach to public interest considerations in the context of merger regulation. 2023-09-28T22:00:00Z df4d52e1-d32f-4c6a-9c87-deda68f1a347 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-scoops-most-awards-at-the-2023-african-legal-awards.aspx The African Legal Awards took place at The Hilton on Friday, 1 September, where we were awarded several prestigious awards, making us the biggest winners of the evening. 2023-09-03T22:00:00Z 2b158666-794b-4f3d-84f5-0458ee95a7be https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/power-plays-in-times-of-crisis.aspx Recent competition law developments in the energy sector. 2023-08-14T22:00:00Z 6685a460-04e8-436e-9ecf-de722ce1f631 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/agoa-access-to-the-us-a-nice-to-have-but-look-to-other-markets-as-well.aspx Next month’s African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) Forum in South Africa will discuss renewals, exports, new memberships and exits, with input from governments and the private sector 2023-07-27T22:00:00Z 4f55179f-4a65-466b-87e8-b3007dc9783c https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-embraces-generative-ai-as-part-of-its-ongoing-innovation-journey.aspx Webber Wentzel is taking the lead on responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) investment within the African legal landscape as part of its continued commitment to deliver an exceptional client experience and foster an open, creative, and entrepreneurial culture. 2023-06-22T22:00:00Z 1c168874-3338-457e-b116-3950dd8c6ef7 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-shortlisted-in-19-african-legal-awards-categories.aspx Webber Wentzel is proud to have been shortlisted in 19 categories in the 2023 African Legal Awards. Being nominated across so many critical categories is a real endorsement of Webber Wentzel's standing in the African legal market. 2023-06-21T22:00:00Z 1affe7ec-2646-40a5-a5ba-146ff58c3b84 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-cti-update-march-april-2023.aspx Our CTI practice offers clients a holistic service that covers all the complexities of competition, trade and investment across the continent. 2023-04-18T22:00:00Z dc290de2-fde8-42ec-96fc-a6e5d4c1d393 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/esg-and-the-african-continental-free-trade-agreement.aspx The forward momentum of ESG principles, which permeate every aspect of global economic activity, is also evident in the first strides the AfCFTA has taken. 2023-04-16T22:00:00Z 2d7e41ad-68c5-4c3b-b78b-28b00ae62331 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-welcomes-competition-law-expert-mark-garden.aspx Webber Wentzel has appointed Mark Garden as a partner in its Competition, Trade and Investment (CTI) Practice, effective 1 March 2023. 2023-03-01T22:00:00Z fe391a19-7b95-481c-9b3d-8c426bc4513f https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/south-africa-has-been-grey-listed-what-are-the-implications-for-the-country-going-forward.aspx South Africa’s greylisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has significant implications for its economic growth and global competitiveness, but moves are already being taken to satisfy the FATF 2023-02-23T22:00:00Z 2b51ee54-56c5-4de4-99c3-54d374720f20 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-cti-insights-series.aspx In our Insights series, Africa Legal took a close look at the Competition, Trade and Investment practice’s offering, the need for the service on a regional and pan-African basis, and areas of growing concern for market actors. 2023-01-23T22:00:00Z 2ca8a2dc-b1d9-4369-a10a-a22a540a4e9e https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-recognised-as-2022-south-africa-law-firm-of-the-year-by-top-ranked-legal.aspx Webber Wentzel has been awarded the 2022 South Africa Law Firm of the Year in the EMEA Awards by Top Ranked Legal. 2022-12-20T22:00:00Z 830a8fb1-9c5f-4a0e-99d6-ea3b94e74d6b https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/afcfta-the-game-changer-for-africa.aspx On Wednesday, 28 September 2022, Webber Wentzel (in partnership with Invest Africa) held a discussion on why the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) is a game changer for Africa. 2022-11-21T22:00:00Z 037f11e7-a436-4d19-9325-f4ee73c47d9e https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/ster-kinekor-successfully-exits-business-rescue-with-webber-wentzel-at-its-side.aspx Webber Wentzel assisted and advised Ernst & Young's Stefan Smyth (business rescue practitioner) on a ZAR 250 million business rescue matter involving the refinancing and restructuring of Ster Kinekor's debt and the 100% purchasing of the Ster Kinekor shares by Blantyre Capital Limited and Greenpoint Specialised Lending. 2022-11-14T22:00:00Z 09408b66-aae8-49f4-ae73-1d2f2e31d2cc https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-won-the-african-legal-awards-for-african-law-firm-of-the-year.aspx Webber Wentzel has been named African Law Firm of the Year (Mid-Large Sized Practice) at the 2022 African Legal Awards. 2022-10-23T22:00:00Z d4a52374-3a6e-4e00-aafb-ecbd011cb439 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/growing-need-for-policy-consistency-in-south-african-merger-control.aspx Foreign investors may be hesitant to transact in South Africa in light of growing uncertainty in the Competition Commission's (CC's) approach to approving commercial transactions. 2022-10-05T22:00:00Z a64ac03f-4c54-49ec-b43b-200dd0dfe31c https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/new-guidelines-aim-to-capture-more-notifiable-mergers.aspx On 23 September 2022, the Competition Commission published final Guidelines on Small Merger Notification which significantly expand the scope of potentially notifiable mergers. 2022-09-26T22:00:00Z e6b5016f-9692-4ac5-acf8-69f82bf89e95 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-won-the-african-legal-awards-m-and-a-team-of-the-year.aspx Webber Wentzel won the African Legal Awards M&A Team of the Year for advising on the joint venture between Sanlam Limited, its subsidiaries, and Allianz BV, a subsidiary of Allianz SE. 2022-09-25T22:00:00Z 5e767177-4c01-4e53-987f-5b1e4a1f7cc2 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/welcome-back-meluleki.aspx Meluleki Nzimande has re-joined Webber Wentzel as a partner in the Competition, Trade and Investment (CTI) Practice. Meluleki was previously at the firm, where he practised for almost sixteen years, nine of which he spent as a partner. 2022-08-03T22:00:00Z 3c684bb6-4232-4f97-871a-2a7d4498546e https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/legal-issues-in-the-metaverse-part-2.aspx In this Part 2 of our Legal Issues in the Metaverse Series, we focus on the legal considerations for businesses that intend to commercialise opportunities in the Metaverse. 2022-06-23T22:00:00Z 0cbeee5f-769f-4086-a043-91ffb18096a8 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/the-impact-of-public-interest-on-m-and-a-transations-in-2022.aspx Over the past few years, the scope of public interest considerations in mergers has expanded more in South Africa than in any other jurisdiction globally. 2022-04-06T22:00:00Z b93452cc-e65e-4c7e-8bbf-788b4f1ee4ad https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/competition-commission-increases-focus-on-digital-economy.aspx In 2020, the South African Competition Commission made clear its intention to increase its focus on the digital economy in South Africa. In its paper Competition in the Digital Economy, the Commission appeared to effectively provide a blueprint for its approach to tackling competition issues in this sector. 2022-03-31T22:00:00Z 0f65287c-24e5-4da8-be3c-df086cd56248 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/22-legal-developments-for-businesses-to-monitor-in-2022.aspx We have collated a snapshot of key themes to track in 2022 and of 22 legal developments for the year which you will need to keep a tab on. In 2022, various legal developments are expected to have an impact on businesses, particularly in the fields of liability, ESG, digital and economic transformation. 2022-03-22T22:00:00Z cd24f5c0-c41c-4587-99b3-84d17bf248fe https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-recognised-in-chambers-global-2022.aspx Earlier this year, Webber Wentzel was awarded South Africa Law Firm of the Year at the Chambers Africa Awards 2022. Yesterday, Chambers Global released its 2022 results, ranking law firm practices and lawyers according to their client service, commercial vision, business understanding, diligence and value for money. 2022-02-17T22:00:00Z 7c6ed77a-e82d-46c8-97d5-51aa4d69040c https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/competition-law-annual-review-2021-and-2022.aspx 2021 was an important year for competition law across the continent. Key focus areas of the South African competition authorities were primarily public interest and digital markets. 2022-02-13T22:00:00Z c3c619df-052c-47fa-af3a-7048f15cb9c0 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/south-african-law-year-to-come-2022-and-year-in-review-2021.aspx Webber Wentzel has contributed to the Linklaters' global guide series - Year to Come 2022 and Year in Review 2021. The series brings together analysis, thinking and highlights from lawyers around the world across multiple jurisdictions, in the form of topic-specific and jurisdictional guides. 2022-01-17T22:00:00Z 199390fd-b67c-4a6e-972d-95704e4fbe81 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/competition-law-africa-quarterly-update-q3-2021.aspx Keep up to date on the most important competition law developments across Africa for the third quarter of 2021. 2021-10-19T22:00:00Z f28f1611-eb0a-48c7-9dc0-78ff9f35fc71 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/lexology-getting-the-deal-through-merger-control-2022.aspx Webber Wentzel has contributed to the Lexology Getting The Deal Through Merger Control 2022 South Africa chapter. 2021-09-07T22:00:00Z 8a4538e7-7782-4f5f-8a91-1e4bbae2ba65 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/comesa-competition-commission-issues-first-ever-merger-related-fine.aspx On 6 September 2021, the COMESA Competition Commission (CCC) issued its first fine for failure to notify a transaction to the CCC within the prescribed time period under Article 24 (1) of the COMESA Competition Regulations of 2004. 2021-09-06T22:00:00Z 3cba3139-fa37-48f4-8311-649fbbfc14f9 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/new-merger-filing-fees-in-mozambique-and-nigeria.aspx The competition authorities in Mozambique and Nigeria recently published revised merger filing fees, which suggest they have considered feedback from various stakeholders 2021-08-18T22:00:00Z 4363e62a-d8c4-4e1e-a322-02e3778843be https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/a-journey-of-growth-and-success.aspx Webber Wentzel Senior Partner Christo Els and Managing Partner, Sally Hutton, chat to Tom Pearson in a podcast focussing on the growth and success of one of Africa’s foremost law firms. 2021-08-09T22:00:00Z 5035971a-9c87-496b-9128-452ba64d8285 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/competition-block-exemptions-for-the-security-of-supply-of-essential-goods.aspx On 15 July 2021, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition issued Block Exemptions for the Security of Supply of Essential Goods (Government Gazette No.44854) (the Essential Goods Exemption) – in effect from today until 15 August 2021. 2021-07-14T22:00:00Z f096593f-0b8e-4d3e-bd5d-de1fb0a91556 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/public-interest-is-the-new-normal.aspx As the dust settles on the market's response to the Competition Commission's prohibition of the Burger King merger on public interest grounds, it is important to reflect on the future role of public interest in mergers across Africa. 2021-07-12T22:00:00Z f3a38415-bccc-46c1-a24a-86f31e350555 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/competition-law-africa-quarterly-update-june-2021.aspx Keep up to date on the most important competition law developments across Africa for the second quarter of 2021. 2021-07-05T22:00:00Z eb4bee2a-eed5-422d-a04d-83f0499a5a67 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/b-bbee-webinar-making-a-meal-of-public-interest.aspx Dealmakers download: latest BEE developments & the Burger King decision - navigating the landscape to get the deal done 2021-06-17T22:00:00Z f187bd8e-f796-4e27-ab50-76fc2d786201 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/burger-king-making-a-meal-of-public-interest-in-m-and-a-transactions-dont-upsize-your-deal-quite-just-yet.aspx For the first time in 20 years, a merger may be prohibited on public interest grounds alone. A ground-breaking decision by the Competition Commission to prohibit the proposed sale by Grand Parade Investments Limited of its investment in Burger King (South Africa) to a US private equity firm will have severe consequences for the future of M&A transactions and investment into South Africa.​ 2021-06-02T22:00:00Z 1f1a448b-fa3e-4dfa-a7fc-6e26679bf0cb https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/proposed-amendments-to-merger-filing-forms.aspx For the first time in many years, significant amendments have been proposed to the Competition Commission's merger filing forms. 2021-05-12T22:00:00Z cdef2a0e-3eeb-4d73-a7b4-4d71037537e5 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/digital-mergers-potentially-face-greater-scrutiny.aspx The Competition Commission has invited comment on proposed amendments to its Small Merger Guidelines, which expand the scope of potentially notifiable mergers in digital markets 2021-05-11T22:00:00Z 65ed8b0e-4fee-455d-accd-ac2e99f46e6c https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/competition-commission-surges-ahead-with-its-market-inquiries.aspx The Competition Commission recently published final terms of reference for an inquiry into competition among selected digital platforms, as well as its findings from an investigation into competition in public transport 2021-04-21T22:00:00Z b85f28b1-3128-43be-94c3-f40d18ef6eb2 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/extensive-amendments-proposed-to-merger-filing-forms.aspx On 25 March 2021, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition published an invitation for public comment on proposed amendments to the forms, rules and regulations of the Competition Commission. 2021-03-30T22:00:00Z 11001807-1c25-49ee-97a8-999feb567e06 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/competition-law-africa-monthly-update-february-2021.aspx Keep up to date on the most important competition law developments across Africa in February 2021. 2021-03-01T22:00:00Z 3d4a6167-0ff3-4ce9-99ef-9ad25e905c11 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/sa-lets-do-business-ebook.aspx ​A tailored and on-the-ground perspective for business in South Africa and those looking to invest in South Africa. 2021-02-28T22:00:00Z 3abe8c46-88cd-4e8b-a32e-5f8ae4b6975c https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/draft-terms-of-reference-published-for-online-intermediation-platforms-market-inquiry.aspx The Competition Commission has published draft Terms of Reference ahead of an 18-month inquiry into any potentially anti-competitive aspects of selected digital platforms 2021-02-23T22:00:00Z 9d99ac2b-087b-4c67-ab55-23b5af28425b https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzels-expertise-recognised-by-chambers-global.aspx Chambers Global has released their 2021 results. Webber Wentzel had an exceptional year with key highlights. 2021-02-21T22:00:00Z 34a0f491-5732-4243-ab59-d946812360c5 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/21-legal-developments-for-businesses-to-monitor-in-2021.aspx We have collated a snapshot of key themes to track in 2021 and of 21 legal developments for the year which you will need to keep a tab on. 2021-02-17T22:00:00Z 70b75b51-6229-4e6b-bdd3-33fdfa5d9694 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/comesa-merger-notification-thresholds-clarified.aspx On 11 February 2021, the COMESA Competition Commission (CCC) published a new practice note clarifying important aspects of its merger control thresholds. This is an important development that will greatly assist merger parties to assess whether transactions meet the CCC's merger filing requirements. 2021-02-14T22:00:00Z fad578d8-7655-43e0-b567-7b1debb9bc30 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/competition-law-year-in-review-and-year-to-come-2020-2021.aspx We have prepared a high-level review of key competition law developments across Africa in 2020 and insights into expected trends for 2021. 2021-01-27T22:00:00Z 6a5272f5-c182-42b1-ad62-81df99b9e4ad https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/linklaters-global-guide-year-in-review-2020-and-year-to-come-2021.aspx We have contributed to the Linklaters' global guide series - Year in Review 2020 and Year to Come 2021. 2020-12-06T22:00:00Z 73fd479c-a3b9-4d8d-b7f1-458ef7313ea7 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now-november-2020.aspx On 19 November 2020, the Competition Appeal Court delivered a seminal judgment that could significantly impact the way abuse of dominance cases are prosecuted in South Africa. 2020-11-30T22:00:00Z bf836972-a7c4-4f11-99f4-071838cce073 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/decision-of-interest-increased-abuse-of-dominance-prosecutions-possible.aspx On 19 November 2020, the Competition Appeal Court (CAC) delivered a seminal judgment that could significantly impact the way abuse of dominance cases are prosecuted in South Africa. 2020-11-30T22:00:00Z cbac84e7-a161-418d-9ed9-a1d3301fd826 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/sa-competition-commission-plans-to-zoom-in-on-digital-markets.aspx The Competition Commissioner during the Commission's Annual Conference (in November 2020), noted that the Commission will take a "decisive and proactive stance to ensure the balance of economic forces favour a shift to facilitating entry and a more competitive digital economy". 2020-11-22T22:00:00Z fec0c7ff-b0e7-414b-843a-0039c940bc02 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/insights-from-the-competition-commissions-14th-annual-conference.aspx In early November 2020, the Competition Commission held its 14th Annual Conference. The theme of this year's conference was "Competition in a Crisis: Competition policy, regulation and enforcement in unprecedented times". 2020-11-16T22:00:00Z dd6a8854-fff3-4325-97a6-77708d348e4f https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now-october-2020.aspx On 20 October 2020, the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry met virtually with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the Competition Commission and the Competition Tribunal for a briefing on the implementation of the Competition Amendment Act 2018 and investigations relating to the Covid-19 pandemic. 2020-11-01T22:00:00Z 0dcf5861-3608-4529-9ddf-39adc58618cd https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now-september-2020.aspx The Competition Commission has referred the first two Covid-19 related public procurement cases to the Competition Tribunal for prosecution. 2020-09-30T22:00:00Z c7ff7ed1-abe2-4937-814f-49805b9ced99 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/competition-commission-publishes-paper-on-competition-in-the-digital-economy.aspx The Competition Commission has called for comments by 5 October 2020, on its paper titled "Competition in the Digital Economy". Over the last few years, competition and regulatory authorities across the world have been grappling with multi-faceted competition and regulatory issues due to the rise of large tech players, and advances in the digital economy. 2020-09-20T22:00:00Z da179965-e8b5-41ee-b29f-11dddea8440e https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/tackling-buyer-power-in-south-africa.aspx The Competition Commission has offered some guidance on how the new buyer provisions of the Competition Act will affect businesses - providing insights on how complaints will be screened, how long assessments are likely to take and the thresholds that will apply. 2020-09-03T22:00:00Z 3b65ab03-c214-4a4a-be8b-209a2c37adde https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now-august-2020.aspx As at 20 August 2020, the Competition Commission announced that it has referred and settled 34 Covid-19 related cases to the total value of over ZAR 15.4 million 2020-08-31T22:00:00Z 728194fe-962f-4712-b03d-0948f3af73d7 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now-july-2020.aspx The Competition Tribunal found that Dis-Chem Pharmacies Ltd contravened section 8(1)(a) of the Competition Act by charging excessive prices for surgical face masks during the Covid-19 pandemic. 2020-08-02T22:00:00Z fcc8f6b3-e085-44c6-92db-039ca3a425a4 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now-june-2020.aspx On 12 June 2020, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition published an amendment to the Regulations pertaining to the Covid-19 Block Exemption for the Retail Property Sector. 2020-07-01T22:00:00Z 8633edee-fb41-4c5c-a600-ad1b1ae58150 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/new-decision-of-interest-constitutional-court-delivers-seminal-prescription-judgment.aspx On 24 June 2020, the Constitutional Court handed down judgment in an application for leave to appeal against the Competition Appeal Court's decision in the matter involving the Commission and Pickfords Removals SA (Pty) Ltd. 2020-07-01T22:00:00Z e1515907-eac3-4750-9c2c-07e490ada1f9 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now-may-2020.aspx On 19 May 2020, the Competition Commission presented a report to the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry and the Select Committee on Economic Development, Small Business Development, Tourism, Employment and Labour on its efforts to address price gouging of essential items during the period of national disaster. 2020-06-01T22:00:00Z 76700bee-097f-4813-a634-53f3fcfded88 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/implications-of-the-new-policy-objectives-of-the-competition-act.aspx A number of fundamental changes to the Competition Act demonstrate government's strengthened policy commitment to drive radical economic transformation in South Africa, and are likely to be more regularly used in the midst of Covid-19. 2020-06-01T22:00:00Z dfa00455-88ae-452e-9379-2ca32dcfc7a3 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/competition-commission-publishes-final-buyer-power-guidelines.aspx On 18 May 2020, the Competition Commission published its final Buyer Power Guidelines. Earlier this year, the new buyer power provisions of the Competition Act 89 of 1998 came into effect. 2020-05-18T22:00:00Z d90f99b0-442c-4920-9a5b-c161e3678f2e https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/covid-19-excessive-pricing-consent-agreements-provide-important-insights.aspx The Competition Tribunal has now confirmed three consent agreements relating to Covid-19 excessive pricing complaints. 2020-05-04T22:00:00Z 8727f27d-ae77-463f-a070-3aa69d79bb1a https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now-march-and-april-2020.aspx The Competition Tribunal has now confirmed three consent agreements relating to Covid-19 excessive pricing complaints. 2020-05-04T22:00:00Z 4c85b9b8-794a-489f-af3e-fefbe8babbfa https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/covid-19-expansion-of-block-exemption-for-the-healthcare-sector.aspx On 8 April 2020, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition published amendments to the Covid19 Block Exemption for the Healthcare Sector 2020 Regulation issued on 19 March 2020. 2020-04-08T22:00:00Z f92d5114-6b93-4c00-aa0d-1698b3324ad8 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/covid-19-and-competition-law-clothes-coffee-shops-care-services-and-more.aspx Businesses are facing uncertainty worldwide as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Their rights and obligations have come into question, with competition authorities worldwide moving swiftly to provide clarity and guidance. 2020-03-29T22:00:00Z 9a465556-c30e-48dd-b2aa-c29392965ad7 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/covid-19-competition-exemptions-for-banking-and-retail-property-sectors.aspx On the back of the declaration of COVID-19 as a national disaster and the subsequent publication of the COVID-19 Block Exemption for the Healthcare Sector under the Competition Act, 1998, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition (the Minister) on 23 and 24 March 2020 published the Block Exemptions for the Banking Sector and Retail Property Sector, respectively. 2020-03-24T22:00:00Z 331d08ab-682e-4d32-97ea-6b12dd5aab2a https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/covid-19-competition-and-consumer-law-developments-affect-consumer-and-healthcare-sectors.aspx On 19 March 2020, the Minister of Trade and Industry published the COVID-19 Block Exemption for the Healthcare Sector and the Consumer and Customer Protection and National Disaster Management Regulations and Directions under the Competition Act, 1998, the Consumer Protection Act, 2008 and the regulations issued in terms of the Disaster Management Act, 1957 on 15 March 2020 in terms of which COVID-19 was declared a national disaster. 2020-03-19T22:00:00Z 83534b8d-35c1-4321-8e3a-dac56e695583 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now-february-2020.aspx The Competition Appeal Court upheld an appeal by Uniplate Group (Pty) Ltd against a decision of the Competition Tribunal. 2020-03-02T22:00:00Z 93b1fda1-7cb2-4938-b0db-1fd15ad7fd12 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/big-news-for-big-buyers-and-suppliers.aspx What businesses need to know about new buyer power and price discrimination laws 2020-02-25T22:00:00Z dbb16f87-050e-498f-921e-b9d4dccee09e https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/significant-abuse-of-dominance-amendments-to-the-competition-act-are-now-in-effect.aspx A number of the most contentious amendments to the Competition Amendment Act 2018 came into effect yesterday, 13 February 2020 by the publication of Proclamation No. 10 of 2020 in Government Gazette No. 43018. 2020-02-13T22:00:00Z a03c5058-6341-44ae-b124-7c85c3995dfc https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/chambers-global-recognises-excellence-at-webber-wentzel.aspx Chambers Global has released their 2020 results. Webber Wentzel had an exceptional year with key highlights. 2020-02-13T22:00:00Z 601cdf71-ff7b-40a6-987c-169ba6b57003 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now-january-2020.aspx The Competition Tribunal confirmed a settlement agreement between the Competition Commission, Wesgrow Potatoes (Pty) Ltd and HZPC Holland B.V. 2020-01-30T22:00:00Z ee4dee61-1687-41f4-8380-299d37a579ae https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/competition-law-annual-review-2019-2020.aspx During 2019, competition law continued to spread across the continent with new legislation coming into effect, new authorities being established and increasing enforcement at both a domestic and regional level. 2020-01-15T22:00:00Z 79011afa-19a4-49a3-b644-b3b1c51070a7 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/reflections-on-2019-and-key-insights-for-2020.aspx Each year we publish a South Africa - Year in Review and Year to Come 2019/2020 insights piece with our alliance partner, Linklaters. 2020-01-08T22:00:00Z b00d0f74-7067-45b6-bc01-ceb9059ed0cb https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now-november-2019.aspx As another eventful year draws to a close, we would like to thank our valued clients for their continued support throughout 2019. 2019-12-02T22:00:00Z 00826734-8b03-44ba-af4d-e73f574f856e https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now-october-2019.aspx The Competition Appeal Court dismissed an appeal by Computicket (Pty) Ltd against a decision by the Competition Tribunal. 2019-10-30T22:00:00Z 48e01fc9-126b-4954-b5f9-ab27bb27bcf2 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/competition-commission-publishes-draft-price-discrimination-and-buyer-power-enforcement-guidelines-for-comment.aspx On 16 October 2019, the Competition Commission published draft Price Discrimination and Buyer Power Enforcement Guidelines for public comment. 2019-10-16T22:00:00Z 83be54e2-ec85-4a43-8e87-6d9a7ac84315 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/second-draft-price-discrimination-and-buyer-power-regulations-published-for-comment.aspx On 10 October 2019, the Minister of Economic Development published second drafts of the Price Discrimination Regulations and Buyer Power Regulations (collectively, the 2019 Regulations) for public comment. 2019-10-10T22:00:00Z 2693b231-7635-4339-b312-503d096d9b5d https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now-september-2019.aspx We are delighted to announce that we won the Competition and Regulatory Team of the Year award at the 2019 African Legal Awards. 2019-10-01T22:00:00Z 8193f83b-6c5d-4bd9-9546-117fd5876202 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-is-african-law-firm-of-the-year-at-the-african-legal-awards.aspx Webber Wentzel received the coveted African Law Firm of the Year award at the 2019 African Legal Awards on Friday, 6 September 2019. 2019-09-08T22:00:00Z 36447f02-6b4b-484a-8e99-e80c4668b37e https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now-august-2019.aspx The Competition Tribunal conditionally approved the merger between Mosstrich (Pty) Ltd and Klein Karoo International (Pty) Ltd. The merger was initially prohibited by the Competition Commission. 2019-08-29T22:00:00Z 4646b3cd-bca6-4160-99f1-cdfe1a84778f https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now-july-2019.aspx Competition Appeal Court dismisses two collusion matters, Constitutional Court dismisses predatory pricing case against Media24, East African Community Competition Authority finalises strategic plans, our recent work and more. 2019-08-04T22:00:00Z bcb401ee-5dd4-4a60-ab56-0623bd80a88a https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/partial-commencement-of-the-competition-amendment-act-2018.aspx Certain sections of the Competition Amendment Act 2018 (the Amendment Act) have come into effect today, 12 July 2019 by the publication of Proclamation No. 46 of 2019 in Government Gazette No. 42578. 2019-07-11T22:00:00Z da20eae9-22d6-4030-b5e3-f515193711b6 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/key-developments-across-africa-in-the-first-half-of-2019.aspx Although we are only halfway through the year, there have already been significant competition law developments across Africa. A number of new authorities have become operational and various legislative changes have been effected, impacting the competition law landscape in several jurisdictions. 2019-07-04T22:00:00Z 703e44d3-3d96-4952-b76d-2bd00cab3d7e https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now-june-2019.aspx The Competition Tribunal (Tribunal) issued an administrative penalty of approximately ZAR16 million against Uniplate Group (Pty) Ltd (Uniplate) for abusing its dominance. 2019-06-30T22:00:00Z 5c2afbae-4974-46a2-93a0-4f8b835f8cbe https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/navigating-merger-control-complexities-in-africa.aspx Merger control complexities in Africa can undermine the commercial value of a proposed transaction - we take a look at some of the potential stumbling blocks to doing business in Africa. 2019-06-20T22:00:00Z bd23a567-1d12-4700-8a4b-ede49f385d7b https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now-may-2019.aspx The Competition Commission has published its preliminary findings and recommendations in the Grocery Retail Market Inquiry (the Retail Inquiry). 2019-06-04T22:00:00Z 0f65e2e8-3f54-41ff-968c-34d863e8b9ce https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now-april-2019.aspx The Competition Commission published its provisional report on the Data Services Market Inquiry (the Data Inquiry). The purpose of the Data Inquiry, launched in August 2017, is to understand what factors or features of the market(s) and value chain may cause or lead to high prices for data services in South Africa. 2019-05-01T22:00:00Z 6789b8aa-9f4f-4498-be39-ae4715e2c5db https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/higher-penalties-on-the-cards-for-failing-to-notify-mergers.aspx When faced with legislation that requires parties to take certain steps or prevents them from implementing a particular course of action, the questions often asked include "what are the consequences and who will be liable to pay?" 2019-04-09T22:00:00Z 16750722-e043-4f95-a0ba-b53413da0278 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now-march-2019.aspx The Competition Commission has gazetted final "Guidelines for the determination of administrative penalties for failure to notify mergers and implementation of mergers contrary to the Act" (the Guidelines) 2019-04-02T22:00:00Z e327815b-5596-4dee-976e-995b77616064 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/new-partner-promotions.aspx Webber Wentzel has announced 7 new partners across 6 practice areas, namely public law, projects, tax, employment, antitrust/competition, and dispute resolution. Three of our new partners are women and three are black which continues to strengthen the Employment Equity representation in the firm. 2019-03-18T22:00:00Z a7876a25-1dd9-46a9-8773-017ac810cace https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now-february-2019.aspx On 13 February 2019, President Cyril Rhamaphosa assented to the Competition Amendment Act 18 of 2018 (Amendment Act). The Amendment Act will come into operation on a date to be declared by the President by means of a proclamation in the Government Gazette. 2019-03-06T22:00:00Z 407fefc4-25b5-4eb8-90f6-e6812cfdab6f https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/competition-law-annual-review-2018-2019.aspx 2018 was an important year for competition law in Africa. Competition law spread across the continent with new legislation published, new authorities established and enforcement expanding at both a domestic and regional level. 2019-02-20T22:00:00Z f90c96b7-fb54-4a9b-9eec-2f7884b74346 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/competition-amendment-act-2018-signed-into-law.aspx The President of South Africa has assented to the Competition Amendment Act 18 of 2018 (Amendment Act). This historic development marks the beginning of a new era of competition law, which is more public interest focused than ever before. 2019-02-13T22:00:00Z 94ecdd6d-ad86-410b-86cc-b475662f9f87 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-publishes-insights-pieces-looking-at-key-legal-and-regulatory-developments-for-2018-2019.aspx Webber Wentzel together with its alliance partner, Linklaters, recently published a Year in Review and Year to Come 2018/2019 insights piece. This publication highlights significant legal and regulatory developments that took place in South Africa during 2018, and expected changes for 2019. 2019-01-14T22:00:00Z d57f09e1-edca-4f77-9710-214c76478556 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/draft-price-discrimination-and-buyer-power-regulations-published-for-comment.aspx On 21 December 2018, the Minister of Economic Development published draft Price Discrimination Regulations and Buyer Power Regulations (collectively, the Regulations) for public comment (Government Gazette No. 42133). 2019-01-07T22:00:00Z 0f9b2c82-5f65-43ae-8f67-ccacceb44b75 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/new-merger-filing-fees.aspx The Minister of Economic Development yesterday published an amendment to Regulation 10(5) of the Competition Commission Rules in Government Gazette No. 42082. In terms of the amendment, new merger filing fees for intermediate and large mergers will be effective from 1 January 2019. 2018-12-04T22:00:00Z fd485a97-1d55-498a-93ea-249648725a7d https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now-november-2018.aspx On 20 November 2018, the National Council of Provinces' Economic and Business Development Committee adopted the "B" Version of the Competition Amendment Bill 2018 (the Bill). 2018-12-02T22:00:00Z 5dd331c6-88c1-4bde-acc5-77fc731477b4 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now-october-2018.aspx The "B" Version of the Competition Amendment Bill 2018 (the Bill) was passed by the National Assembly on 23 October 2018. A summary of important additional proposed amendments in the "B" version of the Bill, particularly in relation to the sections on abuse of dominance can be accessed here. The Bill is currently at NCOP level and comments on the latest version are due on 7 November 2018. 2018-10-30T22:00:00Z 97aff99f-25b0-4ebe-beb4-6379a8540d56 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now-september-2018.aspx In September 2018, the Portfolio Committee on Economic Development held a series of meetings to deliberate over the Competition Amendment Bill, 2018 (Bill). The Minister of Economic Development was also given an opportunity to respond to matters raised during the public hearings on the Bill. It has been indicated that the Committee will consider the Bill further in early October. We will keep you updated on all further developments. 2018-10-01T22:00:00Z a3b38413-22c7-4b48-b435-c4c823630653 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/the-launch-of-webber-wentzel-alert.aspx Webber Wentzel is excited to announce the launch of “Webber Wentzel Alert”, an online tool designed to launch a co-ordinated legal emergency response at the click of a button in the event of a search and seizure by the police and/or other regulatory authorities (commonly known as "a dawn raid"). 2018-09-28T22:00:00Z 0a039dc5-1a8b-4141-ac35-b9c04517032a https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now-august-2018.aspx Public hearings to discuss the Competition Amendment Bill, 2018 (the Bill) took place in Parliament on 28 and 29 August 2018. Our recent client alert setting out the key amendments proposed by the Bill is available here. Comprehensive submissions were made by various stakeholders such as the Law Society of South Africa, the Black Business Council, COSATU, Business Unity South Africa and Section 27. We will keep you updated on all further developments. 2018-09-05T22:00:00Z 8a7e247c-d899-4a61-9fb7-d8ef3c7ebeec https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now-webber-wentzel-july-2018.aspx The Portfolio Committee on Economic Development has invited the public to submit written comments on the Competition Amendment Bill 2018 (the Bill) by 17 August 2018. Public hearings to discuss the Bill will also be held in Parliament on 28 and 29 August 2018. 2018-07-31T22:00:00Z b4ed238c-ff65-4ff9-9e75-6232966bf91d https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/tunisia-and-somalia-officially-join-comesa.aspx The COMESA Competition Commission (CCC) has released a notice confirming that the Republic of Tunisia and the Federal Republic of Somalia have been admitted as Member States of COMESA. Accordingly, the COMESA Competition Regulations of 2004, and its accompanying rules, shall be enforceable in Tunisia and Somalia with immediate effect. 2018-07-23T22:00:00Z 7296436a-a5fd-44da-806f-a895067111aa https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/botswana-insights-strengthened-competition-law-regime.aspx The Parliament of Botswana has approved the Competition Act, 17 of 2018 (the New Act). The President has assented to the New Act but it is yet to come into effect. Firms doing business in Botswana need to be aware that the New Act proposes significant amendments which may have implications for their operations. Overall, the New Act seeks to enhance the current competition legislation, particularly the sanctions for competition law contraventions. 2018-07-19T22:00:00Z 012b874c-df15-43a3-9cb2-934132656c1e https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/key-amendments-proposed-by-the-competition-amendment-bill-2018.aspx A revised Competition Amendment Bill 23 of 2018 (the Bill) was introduced to Parliament on 11 July 2018. This follows the publication of an earlier version of the Bill in December 2017 and the submission of extensive comments by stakeholders. 2018-07-15T22:00:00Z 8f3d9bba-1a68-4b6e-8a38-d03195583b54 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/competition-amendment-bill-introduced-to-parliament.aspx On Thursday, 12 July 2018, the Minister of Economic Development introduced the Competition Amendment Bill 23 of 2018 (the Bill) to Parliament. 2018-07-12T22:00:00Z b3fe8123-40c0-4204-8cb2-fdbce24620f4 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/competition-amendment-bill-makes-its-way-to-parliament.aspx Cabinet has approved the submission of the Competition Amendment Bill 2017 (the Bill) to Parliament. On 5 July 2018, the Economic Development Department (EDD) gazetted an explanatory statement (available here) indicating that the Minister of Economic Development intends to introduce the Bill into Parliament during July 2018. 2018-07-05T22:00:00Z b7603f35-d2fe-438c-baa5-f2b86c6ab963 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now-webber-wentzel-june-2018.aspx The High Court has set aside a search warrant which authorised dawn raids to be conducted at the premises of five edible oils companies. In December 2016, the Competition Commission (Commission) made an urgent ex parte application for a search warrant on the basis that the companies had breached the anti-cartel provisions of the Competition Act 89 of 1998 (the Competition Act). 2018-07-02T22:00:00Z e70d3271-f8cc-46c8-a5e4-2eb67524c637 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now-may-2018.aspx A recent decision of the Competition Appeal Court (CAC) has provided guidance on the test to be applied in assessing whether non-compete / restraint of trade clauses will expose companies to a prohibited practice contravention (Dawn Consolidated Holdings (Pty) Ltd and the Competition Commission). 2018-05-31T22:00:00Z d8b86141-3208-4893-aaf0-b571a39b6dcc https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now-april-2018.aspx Agribusiness, Food & Beverage: Citrus producers exemption refused - The Competition Commission (Commission) has refused to grant the Western Cape Citrus Producers Forum (known as Summer Citrus) an exemption. 2018-04-25T22:00:00Z 90e01cdf-0b71-42fc-92f1-5df22efd1546 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now-march-2018.aspx Predatory pricing case dismissed - The Competition Appeal Court (CAC) has dismissed the predatory pricing case against Media24 (Pty) Ltd (Media24). 2018-04-04T22:00:00Z aaebcd05-7ebb-4693-a847-6c7a10c2effe https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/development-to-watch-east-african-competition-authority-commences-operations.aspx It has been reported that the East African Competition Authority (EACA) has begun operations and is currently undertaking sector and market studies to assess the competitiveness of the regional economy. 2018-03-28T22:00:00Z 713a146e-dca9-4fb7-aed8-8a54939c2afd https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now-february-2018.aspx MASSMART'S COMPLAINT REFERRAL AGAINST LARGE RETAILERS DISMISSED - The Competition Tribunal (Tribunal) has dismissed a complaint referral lodged by Massmart Holdings Ltd (Massmart) against Shoprite Checkers (Pty) Ltd, Pick ‘n Pay Retailers (Pty) Ltd and Spar Group Ltd (the Respondent Retailers). 2018-02-28T22:00:00Z d0096723-0afb-4f1d-8fc6-d65614112a30 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-now-january-2018.aspx COMPETITION AMENDMENT BILL SEMINAR: THANK YOU AND OVERVIEW - On 31 January 2018, the Competition Practice held a seminar where a panel of esteemed competition law experts comprehensively unpacked the significant amendments proposed by the Competition Amendment Bill, 2017 (the Bill). 2018-02-04T22:00:00Z b157b436-fd89-4194-b7a5-51d7463cb2d7 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/competition-commission-s-advisory-opinion-service-suspended.aspx On 23 January 2018, the Competition Commission (the Commission) announced that it had suspended its advisory opinion service, pending the finalisation of the case involving Hosken Consolidated Investments Ltd (HCI), Tsogo Sun Holdings Ltd (Tsogo Sun) and Niveus Investment Ltd (Niveus). 2018-01-25T22:00:00Z d043461b-3265-4ab3-a7e8-8701283e80a9 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/south-africa-year-in-review-and-year-to-come-2017-2018.aspx In 2017, we saw significant legal and regulatory changes affecting South African businesses. It is likely that 2018 will bring further changes. 2018-01-24T22:00:00Z 96f93854-ecc5-46b7-8fc9-6960f177e62e https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/competition-amendment-bill-published-for-comment.aspx On Friday, 1 December 2017, the Minister of Economic Development, Ebrahim Patel (the Minister), published the Competition Amendment Bill 2017 (the draft Bill) for public comment. 2017-12-03T22:00:00Z 863fd1f8-2914-4aec-bed3-29d3711d763e https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now-november-2017.aspx COMPETITION APPEAL COURT RULES IN FAVOR OF HCI - The Competition Appeal Court (CAC) has held that the proposed transaction involving Hosken Consolidated Investment Ltd (HCI), Tsogo Sun Holdings Ltd (Tsogo Sun) and Niveus Investment Ltd (Niveus) does not require approval by the competition authorities in terms of the merger control provisions of the Competition Act 89 of 1998 (Competition Act). 2017-11-29T22:00:00Z 6a9e92ca-ed50-4030-b6de-ad867afc10ed https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now-october-2017.aspx FIVE MERGERS PROHIBITED BY THE COMPETITION COMMISSION IN OCTOBER 2017 - During October 2017, the Competition Commission (Commission) prohibited five mergers. The prohibitions involved companies in the agricultural and healthcare sectors. 2017-10-30T22:00:00Z bdef6cb2-3aaa-4a3f-9adb-ed8d093a631b https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now-september-2017.aspx WEBBER WENTZEL WINS COMPETITION AND REGULATORY TEAM OF THE YEAR AT THE 2017 AFRICAN LEGAL AWARDS - We are delighted to announce that Webber Wentzel has won the Competition and Regulatory Team of the Year award at the 2017 African Legal Awards. 2017-09-28T22:00:00Z c9a41b37-720f-4fd0-80c2-a8f6a1b4c45a https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/traversing-the-boundaries-of-competition-law.aspx In the current times of widespread economic uncertainty, managing regulatory risk is no easy feat. The multi-faceted aspects of competition law add to the challenge and pose unique complexities when doing business in Africa, particularly from a mergers and acquisitions perspective. 2017-09-26T22:00:00Z 32f2e4cf-2dd8-496b-ae13-5bbe8ccbafd0 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/new-merger-notification-thresholds-and-filing-fees-effective-from-1-october-2017.aspx As published in Government Gazette No. 41124 dated 15 September 2017 (available here), new merger notification thresholds for intermediate mergers compulsorily notifiable to the Competition Commission, as well as new merger filing fees for intermediate and large mergers, will be effective from 1 October 2017. 2017-09-17T22:00:00Z 87cdb5f8-aea4-43c0-a75a-37e83588ddd6 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-wins-at-the-african-legal-awards-2017.aspx Webber Wentzel is proud to have received two awards in the prestigious African Legal Awards hosted by Legal Week and the Corporate Lawyers Association of South Africa in Johannesburg on Friday 8 September, 2017. 2017-09-10T22:00:00Z ed17067b-ea0d-4890-86a3-8d581e16a663 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/competition-commission-initiates-data-services-market-inquiry.aspx The Competition Commission (Commission) has announced that it will be conducting a market inquiry into the market for data services in South Africa (the Inquiry). On 18 August 2017, Terms of Reference (ToR) were published setting out the scope of the Inquiry and expected timeframes. 2017-08-20T22:00:00Z 01f7d020-6c02-44c6-967d-dd44a4fb5824 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law.aspx DRAFT GUIDELINES ON INFORMATION EXCHANGE BETWEEN COMPETITORS GAZETTED - Draft Guidelines on the Exchange of Information between Competitors under the Competition Act 89 of 1998 (Draft Guidelines) have been published in the Government Gazette for public comment. 2017-07-30T22:00:00Z 7edf6e46-95d6-49c3-b849-9772cfa29386 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now.aspx AGRIBUSINESS, FOOD & BEVERAGE: UPDATES AND DEVELOPMENTS - The Competition Commission (Commission) has conducted dawn raids on the premises of seven meat suppliers in three provinces. 2017-06-29T22:00:00Z 44c7df6c-3bd9-4404-9abd-20c787669ffb https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/Catch-Up-With-Competition-Law-Now-May-2017.aspx The Minister of Economic Development, Ebrahim Patel, has announced that proposed changes to the Competition Act, 89 of 1998 (Competition Act) are being finalised. During the 2017 Budget Vote Speech, Minister Patel said that the proposed changes will address, "high levels of economic concentration and racially-skewed ownership profiles" 2017-05-30T22:00:00Z