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Competition Commission

The Competition Commission investigates markets, mergers between companies and the regulated industries like water. Each investigation is called an inquiry and can take years to complete.

The Competition Commission's decisions are legally binding. For example, it can stop a merger between two companies. Businesses can then appeal to the Competition Appeal Tribunal.

The Competition Commission can only start an inquiry once a case is referred by the Office of Fair Trading, the government or by industry regulators, eg for postal services.

Members of the public can't refer cases or report companies to the Competition Commission. You can find information on current and past investigations on its website.