Bundeskartellamt restructures its Decision Divisions

The Bundeskartellamt has carried out restructuring measures which are to take effect of 1 September 2006.

Competence for merger and abuse control will be distributed among nine instead of previously ten Decision Divisions. As a consequence the sector competencies of the previous ten Decision Divisions will to some extent be reorganized (see organigram).

The aim of this restructuring measure is to optimize division layout to take account of sectorial developments and to minimize unclarity about current areas of competence. For example, competence for the pharmaceuticals industry, health insurance, medical technology and the health sector, including hospitals, which was previously distributed over various divisions, will now be concentrated in the 3rd Decision Division, which will now have overall responsibility for the “health sector”. This restructuring plan is also an attempt to attune lower staff levels resulting from staff reductions in the public service to an increasing amount of tasks.

The 10th Decision Division is to be expanded at a later date to serve as a second cartel prosecution department to the 11th Decision which already specialises in this area.