Schoenherr has advised GA Adriatic, formerly Renault Nissan Slovenija, on the settlement negotiations with the Slovenian Competition Protection Agency. Zidar Klemencic reportedly advised GA Adriatic in auxiliary proceedings. Cad, and reportedly Fatur Menard, advised Avtohisa Malgaj; Podjed, Kahne & Partners advised Avtohisa Real; Fasun, Melihen, Milac, Strojan reportedly advised Plesko Cars; and Tadej Kalan reportedly advised Avtoservis Kalan, all of which were involved in the proceedings as well.
GA Adriatic is part of the Grand Automotive group, a distributor of passenger cars, including Renault, light commercial vehicles, and spare parts, as well as an operator of retail sites for the sale and service of vehicles.
According to Schoenherr, "the case involved an investigation by the Agency into allegations of cartel arrangements among several Renault repair outlets and dealers, specifically concerning bid rigging in public tenders for auto repair services. In 2021, the Agency issued an infringement decision finding that Renault Nissan Slovenija (now GA Adriatic), Avtohisa Real, Avtohisa Malgaj, Plesko Cars, and Avtoservis Kalan violated competition laws. In response, GA Adriatic filed a lawsuit in 2022 to challenge the Agency's decision before the Administrative Court of the Republic of Slovenia."
Moreover, according to the firm, "effective January 2023, the new Competition Restriction Prevention Act introduced provisions for reducing administrative fines by up to 20% for companies that apply for settlements. Four of the five companies expressed interest in this process and engaged in negotiations with the Agency. After lengthy and complex negotiations, the parties reached a settlement on the amount of the fine and certain other arrangements."
The Schoenherr team included Partners Matej Crnilec and Zoran Soljaga, Attorney at Law Spela Lovsin, and Senior Associate Tilen Zagar.
The Cad team included Senior Partner Tomaz Cad and Junior Partner Matic Cad.
The Podjed, Kahne & Partners team included Partners Blaz Mercun and Matija Kahne.
