Competition

Romanian Competition Council Conducts Investigations of Alleged Abuse of Superior Bargaining Position and Alleged Unfair Trading Practices. What Does This Mean for Companies?

On 26 June 2024, the Romanian Competition Council (the "RCC") announced that it had conducted a dawn raid as part of an investigation concerning the possible abuse of a superior bargaining position by a company active in the supply of liquid medicinal oxygen against a public hospital. The investigation has been launched ex officio as a result of information received from public sources. The case is noteworthy as it marks the first time the RCC has launched a review regarding an alleged abuse of superior bargaining position, a relatively new type of infringement under Romanian competition rules.

Gessel Advises Grupa Kety on Competition Clearance for Selt Takeover

Gessel has advised Grupa Kety on obtaining competition clearance for its takeover of Selt.

Two Gun-Jumping Investigations Launched by the Serbian Competition Commission

On 14 June 2024, the Serbian Competition Commission (the “Commission”) initiated two proceedings against companies belonging to the Agromarket Group for allegedly implementing notifiable concentrations without obtaining prior approval from the Commission. The acquisitions occurred in 2020 and 2024 and both concern targets located outside of Serbia.

Is an Amendment to the Competition Act in the Works?

You may have noticed that there has been a discussion about an amendment to the Act on Protection of Competition in recent weeks. If it passes the legislative procedure, what would it mean in practice?

Turunc Advises Pollet Medical Group on Approval for Acquisition of Farmasol

Turunc has advised Pollet Medical Group on obtaining the approval of the Turkish Competition Board for the majority acquisition of Farmasol.

Avellum Advises Knorr-Bremse on Merger Clearance for Acquisition of Alstom Signaling

Avellum has advised Knorr-Bremse on obtaining merger clearance from the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine for its acquisition of Alstom Signaling via its subsidiary Knorr Brake Holding Corporation.

Austria: Can I Claim that My Product Is Climate Neutral?

In a recent judgment, the German Federal Court of Justice (BGH) held that the claim "climate neutral" is ambiguous and often misleading unless the advertisement itself explains its specific meaning. This sets a trend for Austria, where courts have traditionally followed the standards set by the BGH in relation to environmental advertising when assessing such claims under unfair competition law. On an EU level, the restrictions regarding claims about greenhouse gas emissions are becoming even stricter, leaving advertisers with much to consider before making claims such as "climate neutral".