Commentary on Sections Schedule 27 - Minor and consequential amendments Paragraphs 168 and 169 - Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40)
1060.Paragraph 168 amends section 127 (associated persons) of the Enterprise Act 2002. It ensures that a civil partner will be treated the same way as a spouse by adding references to civil partners in the definition of an “associated person”, including relatives, in sections 127(4)(a) and (c) and 127 (6) of the Act. These definitions are relevant to determining whether "enterprises have ceased to be distinct" (i.e. there has been a merger) and what business activities can be made the subject of certain remedial action as a result of a merger or market investigation.
1061.Paragraph 169 amends section 222(10) to extend the definition of “associate” to civil partners and their relatives. Civil partners and their relatives will therefore be treated as “associate persons” in the same way as spouses and their relatives when orders are sought to enforce consumer protection legislation against people who control companies.