Watchdog is a weekly column offering commentary from our editorial team on antitrust policy and enforcement across Europe. The opinions expressed here are those of the writers only. 

• Innovation, price and complaints key factors for Art 22    
• Horizon/Amgen bullish on regulatory clearances    
• Biologics portfolios cover similar therapeutic areas with no obvious overlaps

• No bad experiences detected in Europe, experts claim
• Expert considers EP text untransparent
• EC to closely monitor litigation funding developments

• Holders of board seats on competing firms scrutinized amid coordination fears
• Move reflects Antitrust Division’s concern about market power of large PE funds  
• New enforcement likely to drive increased Section 8 compliance checks–lawyers

• Complexity could undermine chance of Phase I clearance
• Vivendi scoping for potential buyers - source
• Lack of identified buyer, visibility over timing cited as concern

• Pending judgment would likely be victory for EC on standard of proof
• Case likely to go back to GC, prolonging uncertainty
• ECJ case could affect arguments in Vodafone/Three

• Revenue thresholds will be ‘very easy’ for PEs to meet - lawyer
• Funds will need to create systems for information on financial contributions
• Complaints from competing bidders could trigger EC’s interest

• Prospective bidders ought to consider potential CADE investigation when forming consortia
• CADE unconvinced by telcos’ justification for consortium
• Significant fines pending motions for clarification review

• Mitigation, abandonments reported less frequently in recent years
• Deals close three weeks after CFIUS clearance, on average
• Post-closing investigations mainly target Chinese acquisitions

• German Monopolkommission closing consultation on proposal to immunise leniency applicants from damages actions 
• EC official says no ‘straightforward answers’ on such immunity proposals