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The Bundeskartellamt
The Bundeskartellamt protects free and fair competition in Germany. Competition is the cornerstone of our social market economy. It encourages businesses to do better and make an effort to win over customers, driving innovation and stimulating the economy. Effective competition leads to lower prices, better quality and a constant stream of new ideas. It also limits the power of individual companies. But the ingenious principle of competition is fragile and needs to be protected ...
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Frequently asked questions ...
How do we define competition?
Competition means that several companies compete with one another for customers. Customers can switch to another company offering comparable services at a better price or at better conditions.
Why is competition important?
Competition ensures that companies have to try to win customers by offering cheaper prices, better quality or more innovative products than their competitors. Competition therefore benefits consumers.
Does competition simply occur by itself?
No, not necessarily. Companies could try to eliminate competition by agreeing on prices with their competitors or acquiring a competitor.
How is competition protected?
The Bundeskartellamt acts as a kind of referee in the social market economy. It protects free and fair competition with various tools, in particular cartel prosecution, merger control and abuse control.