Trends in Retail Competition - Emerging Competition Dynamics

The event will explore the evolving nature of competition enforcement and the changing dynamics of retail competition. Themes discussed will include the growth agenda and its effects on competition enforcement, the scope and limits of enforcement, mergers and investments and their effects on the supply chains, algorithmic pricing and targeting, and retail media. 

As in previous years, the event will offer a forum for lively and informed debate on these important themes. It is an opportunity to explore how business can best serve consumers and society, while promoting fair and open markets and driving innovation and growth.

The Symposium is held under the Chatham House Rule and is free to attend, subject to registration. 

A registration link will be available from mid-March 2026. 

Programme          

9.00     COFFEE & REGISTRATION    

9.30     Opening remarks: 

                 Ariel Ezrachi, Oxford University              

9.40     Keynote Address: 

                 Bill Kovacic, George Washington University

10.15  Panel One: Fairness, Access and Growth in the UK and EU 

                Moderator:  Rona Bar-Issac, Addleshaw Goddard 

                Panellists:

                Amber Darr, University of Manchester    

                Or Brook, Oxford University           

                Sean Paul Brankin, Bristows 

                Nicole Kar, Paul Weiss             

                Matteo Negrinotti, ACGM 

11.15  COFFEE BREAK           

11.35  Panel Two: Mergers: Emerging Trends and Challenges 

                Moderator: Simon Pritchard, Latham and Watkins               

                Panellists:

                Mark Jones, Gordons             

                Natura Gracia, Linklaters    

                Mikael Herve, Charles Rivers Associates    

                Niels Baeten, Skadden            

                Teresa Vecchi, DG COMP      

12.45  LUNCH              

14.00  Afternoon Keynote       

                Sarah Adcock, Department for Business and Trade

14.30  Panel Three: Digital Pricing, User Manipulation and Artificial Intelligence

                Moderator: Ariel Ezrachi, Oxford University                

                Panellists: 

                Neil Baylis, CMS          

                Thomas Cheng, Hong Kong University

                Tara Chapman, Frontier Economics

                [TBC]

15.30  COFFEE BREAK           

15.45  Panel Four: Retail Media, Data, and Network Effects 

               Moderator: David Jevons, Oxera        

               Panellists: 

               Liza Lovdahl Gormsen, BIICL              

               Stephen Chester, ISBA             

               Rob Marcus, RAM Consulting Group

               [TBC]   

16.45  Closing remarks