The European Commission is conducting unannounced antitrust inspections in two Member States at the premises of a company operating in the chocolate confectionery sector.
The Commission fears that the company under investigation may have breached EU antitrust rules prohibiting cartels and restrictive business practices, as well as abuses of a dominant market position (Articles 101 and 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union).
Specifically, the Commission is investigating possible market segmentation in the form of restrictions on trade in goods between Member States of the Single Market and obstacles to cross-border purchases.
Background
Unannounced inspections are a preliminary stage of an investigation into alleged anti-competitive practices. The fact that the Commission carries out such inspections does not imply that the company is guilty of anti-competitive conduct, nor does it prejudge the outcome of the investigation. The Commission respects the right of defence, in particular the right of companies to be heard in antitrust proceedings.
There is no statutory time limit for concluding investigations into anti-competitive conduct. Their duration depends on various factors, including the complexity of each case, the degree of cooperation of the undertakings concerned with the Commission, and the exercise of the right of defence by the parties.
The Commission has created a tool to enable individuals and companies to report anti-competitive conduct whilst maintaining their anonymity. This tool protects the anonymity of whistleblowers through an encrypted messaging system designed specifically for this purpose, which allows for two-way communication.
More information: European Commission.
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