“The UK has emerged as the most aggressive antitrust enforcer worldwide after it frustrated the highest proportion of deals in the past five years and ramped up the fines it imposed, new figures reveal.

(…) Antonio Bavasso, partner at Allen & Overy, said the push by the UK competition authority to frustrate mergers follows accusations from academic circles that enforcers have been too lenient in recent years.

(…)  On top of blocking several deals, the CMA also referred an increasing number for in-depth investigations. Some 15 cases were referred to a so-called Phase 2 investigation, a lengthier and more in-depth probe, up from 10 cases the previous year.”

Source: Financial Times