January 2013 – Recent developments in competition law in the CEE-SEE region.
Czech Republic
The Czech Competition Authority fines waste management companies for bid rigging
The Czech Competition Authority fined four companies active in the area of waste management for bid rigging. The amount of the fines imposed was significantly reduced as a result of the successful application for a settlement, as well as a successful application for leniency. The present case is a sign of the Authority’s determination to take decisive action against bid-rigging practices. Read more
Hungary
The Hungarian Metropolitan Court dismisses a claim for damages on the basis of bid-rigging established by the Hungarian Competition Office
The Metropolitan Court dismissed the claim for damages lodged by the Traffic Development Coordination Centre against Strabag Építő Zrt. and Debreceni Magas, Mély és Útépítő Zrt for their participation in a construction bid-rigging cartel. The court established that the plaintiff did not suffer the damage alleged in its statement of claim. The judgement was adopted in one of the first private enforcement litigation cases in Hungary, and it indicates the factors that are deemed to be relevant by courts in such matters. Read more
Romania
The Romanian Competition Council releases its annual report on competition developments in key sectors
On 1 November 2012, the Romanian Competition Council (the “RCC”) launched a public debate with the publication of its fourth report on competition developments in certain key sectors of the Romanian economy. The publication of this report is part of the RCC’s efforts to monitor and assess competition in those key sectors. Read more
Slovakia
The Supreme Court upholds Antimonopoly Office's fine imposed on state-owned railway operator (ZSR)
The Supreme Court rejected an appeal and upheld the fine originally imposed by the AMO for the abusive practice of applying different conditions on the relevant market of rail freight services for bulk substances on medium- and long-distance rail tracks in Slovakia. Read more
Turkey
The Turkish Competition Authority amends the merger notification test
The Turkish Competition Authority has amended the notification test. It simplifies the notification requirements and alleviates the merger notification burden on foreign-to-foreign transactions. The new test will be applicable starting 1 February 2013. Read more