The Portuguese Competition Authority (PCA) imposed a fine of 440,000 euros to Antalis Portugal, S.A. for participating in a horizontal concerted practice (cartel), in the form of price fixing and market sharing, in the sector of office consumables. Four other undertakings are suspected to have participated in the same infringement.

 

The earlier conclusion of the proceedings against Antalis Portugal, S.A. was possible due to the cooperation provided by this undertaking throughout the course of the investigation, under the leniency programme and the settlement procedure.

 

The use of those two instruments proved to be essential, on the one hand, for the finding and sanctioning of the anticompetitive practices under investigation, and on the other hand, for the efficiency of the proceedings.

 

Under the settlement procedure, the parties waive their right of appeal, thereby benefiting from a reduction of the fine.

The investigation is still on-going regarding the remaining four undertakings in relation to which a statement of objections was adopted by the PCA on 29 September 2015.

 

The fight against cartels is a high priority for the PCA, taking into account the losses that they invariably cause to consumers and businesses, leading to higher prices and reduced quality and variety of goods and services. The infringement of competition rules not only reduces consumer welfare, but also weakens the companies´ competitiveness, undermining the economy as a whole.

 

31 may 2016