European Commission Fines Eureca Mayoristas SL, International Purchasing Center of Carrefour, €80 Million
Brussels, 22 November 2024 – The European Commission has imposed a fine of €80 million on Eureca Mayoristas SL, a Spanish company belonging to the Carrefour group, for breaching EU antitrust rules by participating in a cartel and by implementing measures that excluded a competitor from the market.
Background
The investigation, which began in 2021 following a tip-off, revealed that Eureca Mayoristas SL participated in a cartel with other purchasing centers and distributors. The cartel aimed to fix prices, allocate customers and share commercially sensitive information.
Eureca Mayoristas SL also implemented measures that excluded a competitor from the market. These measures included refusing to supply the competitor with products, offering rebates to customers on condition that they did not purchase from the competitor, and threatening suppliers with retaliation if they supplied the competitor.
The Commission’s Decision
The Commission found that Eureca Mayoristas SL’s conduct infringed Article 101(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which prohibits anti-competitive agreements and practices.
The Commission took into account Eureca Mayoristas SL’s cooperation during the investigation and the fact that the company had already taken steps to address the competition concerns. As a result, the fine was reduced by 30%.
Impact on the Market
The Commission’s decision is expected to have a positive impact on competition in the retail sector. It will create a more level playing field for businesses and allow consumers to benefit from lower prices and a wider choice of products.
Carrefour’s Response
In response to the Commission’s decision, Carrefour issued a statement expressing its “deep regret” and “commitment to fully comply with competition law.” The company said it had already taken measures to address the competition concerns and would continue to cooperate with the Commission.
Implications for Businesses
The Commission’s decision serves as a warning to businesses that anti-competitive behavior will not be tolerated. Companies must ensure that their conduct complies with EU competition law and that they do not engage in cartels or other practices that restrict competition.
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economie.gouv.fr a new article on 2024-11-22 10:10 titled “Amende à l’encontre d’EURECA MAYORISTAS SL, centrale d’achat internationale, appartenant à l’enseigne CARREFOUR”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
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