Section 180 — Power of CMA to investigate suspected infringements

Extent: E+W+S+N.I.

This version in force from 2025-04-06

Snapshot: 2026-08-24

Reproduced from legislation.gov.uk (Crown Copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0). Amendments made after 2026-08-24 may not be reflected — always check the official text .

(1) This section applies where the CMA has reasonable grounds for suspecting that—

(a) a person has engaged, is engaging or is likely to engage in a commercial practice that constitutes a relevant infringement, or

(b) a person is an accessory to such a practice.

(2) The CMA may conduct an investigation into the matter.

(3) Where the CMA conducts an investigation, it may publish a notice which (among other things) may—

(a) state its decision to conduct the investigation,

(b) summarise the matter under investigation (including the industry sectors affected),

(c) identify, so far as possible, the persons under investigation (including whether they are suspected of falling within subsection (1)(a) or (b)), and

(d) indicate the timetable for the conduct of the investigation.

(4) If after giving a notice under subsection (3) the CMA decides to close an investigation, the CMA must publish a notice confirming that the investigation is to be closed.