Part 3: Enforcement of consumer protection law Investigations Section 180: Power of CMA to investigate suspected infringements
This section gives a power to the CMA to investigate suspected infringements. This power acts as a trigger for the use of the CMA’s direct enforcement powers under this Chapter.
	The CMA can conduct investigations under Chapter 4 of Part 3 if it reasonably suspects that an infringing practice has occurred, is occurring or is likely to occur. The CMA can investigate the person committing the actual or likely infringing practice (the "infringer"), an accessory to such a practice, or both (together the "enforcement subject") (subsection (1)).
	The CMA may publish a notice of investigation under this section, setting out what and, so far as possible, whom, it is investigating and indicating the investigation timetable (subsection (3)). This will signal to other market participants that the CMA has reasonable grounds for suspecting either that the practice constitutes a relevant infringement or that there has been or is consent or connivance in the practice by another relevant person. This may encourage consumers, other traders or other entities to come forward with relevant information or evidence. Publication of a notice is not mandatory in all cases (e.g. it may not be appropriate if potential prejudice may be caused to the investigation).
	If the CMA has published an investigation notice then, if it decides to close the investigation, it must publish a notice of termination of the investigation (subsection (4)).