Press release from the Competition Authority on 8 March 2006
Enclare slippa böter om man lämnar kartell
The Competition Authority has issued a new general guidance on how we apply the competition law rules on waivers and reductions of competition penalty fees.
"We want to make it easier for companies that wish to avoid fines to disclose cartels in which they are involved. Clearer guidance makes it easier for companies to anticipate how we will act if they make a notification," says Director-General Claes Norgren in a comment.
A company that takes part in a cartel may avoid a fine if it is the first to contact the Competition Authority and disclose the arrangement – and also meets certain additional requirements. Other companies in the cartel may have their fines reduced if they cooperate with us during the investigation.
"The point of granting leniency to companies is to deal with serious breaches of competition law, such as price-fixing or market-sharing," says Claes Norgren. We want to apply the rules on immunity and leniency generously. It is a win for welfare if cartels are detected and prevented, so that markets can function well. It also benefits the companies.
A company wishing to leave a cartel should contact the Competition Authority via the special telephone number 08-700 15 99 or fax number 08-700 15 98.
Some facts about the competition injury levy
The competition damages levy may be set at up to 10 per cent of a company's annual turnover. At present, the main hearings are under way at the Stockholm District Court in a case where a number of Volvo dealers risk having to pay 71.3 million kronor in competition damages.
Last year, the Market Court ruled that the companies in the so-called petrol cartel must pay 112 million kronor in competition damages.
The main hearings in the asphalt case are scheduled to take place this autumn at the Stockholm District Court. The Competition Authority is seeking a total of 1.2 billion kronor in competition damage fees from ten companies.
For further information, contact:
Fredrik Nordenfelt, Chief of Staff, tel. 08-700 16 69 Ann-Sofie Eriksson, Compensation Coordinator, tel. 08-700 16 60 Jimmy Dominius, Press Secretary, tel. 08-700 15 80 or 073-773 15 80
The new General Council (KKVFS 2006:1): http://www.konkurrensverket.se/konkurrens/pdf/kkvfs2006_1.pdf
Announcement: http://www.konkurrensverket.se/bilder/annons_eftergift.jpg
More information on how to leave the cartel and avoid fines: http://www.konkurrensverket.se/kontakt/kartellmedverkan.shtm
The press release is also available on our website. http://www.konkurrensverket.se/press/pressmeddelanden/2006/prm4_2006.shtm
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