IVC Evidensia CEO Warns of Uncertainty Over UK Listing Amid CMA Inquiry

The CEO of IVC Evidensia, a €12.3 billion veterinary group, has warned that uncertainty caused by the UK's competition watchdog's inquiry into the pet care market may deter the group from listing on the London stock exchange. The CEO urged the Competition and Markets Authority to ensure clear and stable final decisions to provide a conducive investment environment.

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has sparked concern among investors and businesses with its ongoing inquiry into Apple and Google's market dominance in mobile platforms. The CMA's proposed measures to address the strategic market status of these tech giants have raised questions about the regulatory environment in the UK, potentially impacting investment decisions by companies such as IVC Evidensia.

IVC Evidensia, a €12.3 billion veterinary group, has expressed caution about listing on the London stock exchange due to the uncertainty surrounding the CMA's inquiry. The CEO of IVC Evidensia has urged the CMA to provide clear and stable final decisions to foster a more conducive investment environment. The regulatory scrutiny of Apple and Google's app stores and payment systems has the potential to reshape the digital economy, but the timing and specifics of the CMA's proposed measures have raised concerns among businesses and investors.

The CMA's plans to designate Apple and Google with 'Strategic Market Status' (SMS) aim to promote competition and innovation in the UK's mobile market. The proposed measures include ensuring a fair and transparent app review process, allowing developers to direct customers away from app stores, and addressing restrictions on digital wallets and access to device features [1]. However, the proposed measures have faced criticism, with some industry experts and activists arguing that they do not go far enough to challenge the dominance of Apple and Google.

The CMA's roadmap outlines potential actions to be taken during the first half of any designation period, focusing on areas such as app stores, interoperability, and digital wallets. The regulator has stated that it will take a proportionate and pro-innovation approach, balancing the need for competition with the protection of consumers and businesses [3]. The designation of Apple and Google with SMS is subject to a final decision by October 22, 2025.

The UK's inquiry into Apple and Google's market dominance comes amid growing global regulatory scrutiny of these companies. Similar investigations and lawsuits are underway in other jurisdictions, raising the possibility that the UK's approach could set a precedent for digital market regulation in Europe and beyond. The success or failure of the CMA's approach may have significant implications for the future of the digital market regulation.

References:
[1] https://www.ainvest.com/news/uk-competition-watchdog-targets-apple-google-app-stores-market-dominance-2507/
[2] https://investorempires.com/uk-competition-watchdog-to-act-against-apple-and-google-over-mobile-platform-dominance/
[3] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cma-proposes-action-to-drive-more-competition-on-mobile-platforms