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BWB-Guideline Viewpoint of vertical price maintenance

During the course of the national competition Authority's (BWB) investigations over the past few years, its attention was led to numerous agreements between producers and the retail market, especially in the area of retail prices, which were suitable to limit the competition.

During the course of the national competition Authority's (BWB) investigations over the past few years, its attention was led to numerous agreements between producers and the retail market, especially in the area of retail prices, which were suitable to limit the competition.

The Guideline should especially facilitate it for small and medium-sized firms to recognize anti-competitive behavior. ​

The viewpoint serves to prevent, as well as provide information, and is not binding.

However, this guideline clarifies which cases the BWB classifies as definitely questionable from an antitrust point of view and therefore pursues them.

The BWB has invited consumers, representations of interests, consumer protection, companies and other interested parties, to make a statement. This opportunity aroused considerable interest; therefore, statements from various sides were delivered.  In addition, various discussions were held.

The BWB considers, in light of guaranteed transparency and fairness in the market, it to be important that the opportunity is given once again, to be able to make a statement on the revised concept.

The current guideline is a draft and the final version will be published promptly after the end of the position statement period, on the BWB website.