Bundeskartellamt confirms search of retailers and manufacturers of branded goods on suspicion of their colluding on end consumer prices

14.01.2010

The Bundeskartellamt confirms that on 14 January 2010 it searched numerous companies in the food retail sector, drugstore sector and pet supplies sector, as well as several manufacturers of branded consumer goods. The nationwide action concerned 15 companies of which 11 are trading companies. 56 members of the Bundeskartellamt and 62 police officers participated in the search. Further trading companies have been notified in writing that they are being investigated.

The authority is investigating suspicions that manufacturers of branded goods and retailers selling confectionary, coffee and pet food have fixed end consumer prices. Fixing end consumer prices in a vertical relationship, i.e. between producers and retailers, violates competition law in the same way as horizontal cartel agreements and can be punished with a fine.

Any voluntary cooperation with the Bundeskartellamt by companies or persons in clarifying the allegations will be taken into consideration by the Bundeskartellamt in its discretion in setting fines.

The Bundeskartellamt needs a judicial search warrant to conduct a search. This requires an initial suspicion of a competition law infringement. A search is conducted to clarify facts and by no means implies that the companies and persons concerned are indeed guilty of violating competition law. Until the proceedings are concluded, the presumption of innocence applies. Logo: Offene Märkte | Fairer Wettbewerb

Use of cookies

Cookies help us to provide our services. By using our website you agree that we can use cookies. Read more about our Privacy Policy and visit the following link: Privacy Policy

OK