HBOS merger appeal thrown out

The Merger Action Group claims the Government has ignored its own competition legislation in refusing to refer the merger to the Competition Commission, and called for that decision to be reviewed. While the Tribunal acknowledges the Government had been categorical in outlining its preference for the deal, it was dismissive of the Merger Action Group's claims that Lord Mandelson had made the decision to approve the deal effectively at the dictation of other senior members of the Government. The judgement concludes: "There is simply no basis for the allegation that the issue of the continu...