Deutsche Post, for example, was fined by the European Commission in 2001 for abusing its monopoly by allowing its global parcels business to receive big subsidies from its letters franchise.

ECONOMIST: Post offices

One positive development: In 1999, government passed a new anti-monopoly law, which provides for a business supervisory commission to help ensure a level playing field, a move that theoretically helps the disadvantaged and largely punchless community of small businesses.

CNN: Big Little Problems

The Monopolies and Mergers Commission found they were creating a "complex monopoly", damaging the interests of publicans and customers.

BBC: Can politicians save Britain's pubs?