Infringements
BvD participated in illegal price fixing and customer sharing in relation to the sale of subscriptions for business information databases. The company also engaged in the illegal exchange of information. The overall infringement covered the entire territory of Austria and occurred during the period from July 2002 at the latest until 6 September 2019. Another company was also involved in these infringements; AFCA’s investigations into its breaches are still ongoing.
Cooperation and leniency status
BvD applied to the AFCA for leniency, subsequently fully cooperating with the AFCA to clarify the facts of the case. In this context, BvD has acknowledged the infringements and has not contested the facts on which the decision is based. Based on BvD’s comprehensive cooperation under the leniency programme, the AFCA refrained from applying for the imposition of a fine and only requested that the Cartel Court find an infringement.
Leniency without a fine
The AFCA may apply for a reduced fine for a company, or refrain from applying for the imposition of a fine altogether. This may only be done if the company is actively helping to uncover a cartel. To this end, it is essential that the company cooperates truthfully, promptly and without restrictions. (For further information, please refer to: Leniency.)