​Press Release 24 /2015

 

 

The Portuguese Competition Authority (PCA) confirms having sent a Statement of Objections to five companies active in the sector of office consumables for suspected participation in a horizontal concerted practice (cartel), in the form of price fixing and market sharing. The practice lasted for around 14 years.

 

The fight against cartels is a maximum 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.

 

The PCA underlines that issuing a Statement of Objections does not prejudge the final outcome of the procedure. The addressees of a Statement of Objection have now the opportunity to exercise their rights of defense against the alleged infringement and possible applicable sanctions.

 

The Statement of Objections was adopted on October 29, 2015.

 

This inquiry is protected by investigation secrecy until the adoption of the final decision.