Sainsbury’s vs MasterCard Multilateral Interchange Fee competition damages case settles.

Sainsbury’s has settled the long running competition damages claim against MasterCard for domestic (UK) multilateral interchange fees. The settlement details are confidential.

However, the case is notable for CEG analysis that led to the zero pass-on finding and framework for analysis and the economic analysis of whether the MIF led to exemptible benefits (e.g “always card” - whether the MIF led to additional transactions). The Supreme Court in July 2020 endorsed CEG's approach.

Nils von Hinten-Reed acted as an expert. Mark Conaty led the CEG team working on the case. Members of the team included Loes Van Bohemen and Dr Alison Sprague.

Mishcon de Reya were the solicitors for Sainsbury's. Rob Murray, the partner on the case.