EUROPE/US: COMPETITION CONCERNS OVER B2B EXCHANGES
Article Abstract:
The grouping together of industry players to form business-to-business (B2B) electronic exchanges to reduce procurement costs is attracting increasing interest from competition watchdogs in Europe and the US. The competition authorities are concerned that some exchanges may become closed shops or take on too much market power, to the detriment of smaller players. So far, the online exchanges have had a positive effect for smaller suppliers, since they can compete on equal terms by reducing marketing costs. However, the European Commission is considering an investigation into MyAircraft.com under merger control rules, which could set a precedent for B2B alliances. The retail sector has caused particular concern about the impact on suppliers. The largest grouping is the WorldWide Retail Exchange (WWRE), which includes Safeway and Albertsons of the US, Tesco and M&S of the UK and Auchan of France, with combined turnover GB[pound] 160.2bn per year. WWRE believes it could cut procurement costs by 3-5%, which analysts say would boost profits by up to 70%.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 2000
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UK: PLEA TO ABOLISH NI CHARGES ON OPTIONS
Article Abstract:
UK Chancellor, Gordon Brown, has been urged to use the 21 March 2000 Budget to abolish the national insurance (NI) charges imposed on share options, which is an issue for concern among Internet start-ups. The call comes from the Confederation of British Industry's former director-general, Adair Turner, who on 13 March 2000 will be named non-executive chairman of Internet start-up, GroupTrade. Mr Turner believes that the current system places major pressures on a number of businesses. Existing regulations mean that unprofitable Internet start-ups could be classed as technically bankrupt due to the hypothetical cost of linking NI payments to staff options awards.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 2000
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UK: GOVERNMENT CLIMBDOWN OVER E-MAIL?
Article Abstract:
The UK government would confer with business groups and may alter the Regulation of Investigatory Bill, an indication that it was softening its stance on the interception of e-mails. The indication from Trade and Industry Secretary, Stephen Byers, stemmed from fears within the business community, saying that a need existed to establish a secure and safe e-commerce market. There has been concern over moves to allow the police to intercept e-mails as part of an effort to clampdown on criminal activity.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 2000
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