ACM provided assistance to the Romanian competition authority in an investigation into a sports goods company
The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) provided assistance in an investigation of the Romanian competition authority (Romanian Competition Council, or RCC) into possible illegal agreements in the sports goods sector. The RCC conducted dawn raids at the premises of three companies, including one company that is located in the Netherlands.
The RCC suspects that a supplier of sports goods has imposed restrictions on a distributor with regard to the sale of sports goods of this supplier to retailers. Suppliers cannot, in principle, determine which customers their buyers serve. The same rules also apply to businesses in the Netherlands. Businesses must decide for themselves to whom they sell their products or services.
The RCC will continue with the investigation.
International cooperation
Competition authorities in different countries apply the same EU competition rules, including the cartel prohibition and the prohibition on abuse of dominant positions. The most important objective of these rules is to ensure that markets function well, so that consumers and businesses enjoy the benefits of competition. National competition authorities regularly work together in order to track down and prevent violations of the competition rules. For example, national competition authorities within the EU and the European Commission can ask ACM for assistance if they wish to investigate businesses located in the Netherlands. The collaboration between ACM and the RCC is an example of such international cooperation.
Submit a tip-off or report illegal agreements
If you have indications that manufacturers, distributors, and/or retailers have made illegal agreements, or if you wish to know if certain practices are allowed, please contact ACM. You can also contact ACM anonymously.
- Determining prices and points of sale (in Dutch)