Decision 669/2018 | |
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File (PDF) | Decision 669/2018 |
Date of Publication of Decision | October 11th, 2018 |
Issue Number of Government Bulletin | |
Relevant Market | Distribution of Printed Press |
Proceedings | Collusion |
Legal Framework | Article 1 and 25(a) of the Greek Competition Act 3959/2011 |
Decision | Violation - Dispute Resolution Procedure |
Complainant | Ex Officio Investigation |
Respondents |
1. ARGOS S.A. 2. EUROPE S.A. |
Summary of Decision |
The Assembly of the Hellenic Competition Commission in Decision 669/2018, published during the simplified Dispute Resolution Procedure pursuant to article 25(a) of the Greek Competition Act 3959/2011, as amended in Decision 628/2016 of the Hellenic Competition Commission, following a request put forth by the companies: a) EUROPE S.A. and b) ARGOS S.A. to commence the procedure, unanimously decided that the companies in question have violated national and community laws on competition, namely Article 1 of Greek Legislation 703/1977 (now Greek Competition Act 3959/2011) and Article 81 of the EC Treaty (now Article 101 TFEU) through their involvement in vertical collusions and/or concerted practices. Specifically, based on the rationale of the decision, the two agencies were involved in anti-competitive collusions which constituted horizontal agreements and/or concerted practices with a view to agreeing a common trading and pricing policy (supplies), the restriciton of quanity of supply, the distribution of customers and the adulteration of competition in the press distribution market. For the violation, a fine of one hundred and fifty thousand Euros (€150,000) was imposed on EUROPE S.A. and a fine of three hundred and fifty thousand Euros (€350,000) was imposed on ARGOS S.A. For their cooperation and concessions, the Competition Commission, reduced the fines imposed on each implicated company by 15%, pursuant to the relevant written provisions. |
Judicial Means | Final. Decision has not been appealed |
Decisions by the Court of Appeal of Athens (Administrative Division) | - |