Byko ehf. breaches Article 10 of the Competition Act.

By the decision of the Competition Authority no. 11/2015, which is published today, it was concluded that Byko had infringed competition law and the EEA Agreement through extensive illegal collusion with the former Húsasmiðjan during the period covered by the investigation, i.e. up to March 2011 when the investigation commenced. That collusion by Byko included, amongst other things:

Regular, usually weekly, communication with the old Húsasmiðjan regarding prices, stock levels, etc., with the aim of increasing prices or counteracting price reductions on so-called bulk goods (bulk goods include, for example, timber, rock wool and steel).

Collusion with the old Húsasmiðjan to increase prices on all offers for bulk goods in stages.

A conspiracy with the old Húsasmiðjan to work against price competition in the sale of treated timber (decking material) during the product's peak selling season and instead attempt to raise prices.

Consultation with the old Húsasmiðjan about raising the price of central heating thermostats.

Having made a joint attempt with the former Húsasmiðjan to get Múrbúðin to participate in a consultation on the price of bulk goods, and having decided with Húsasmiðjan to monitor Múrbúðin's activities in the market.

On 3 November 2015, the Data Protection Authority concluded, in case no. 2015/920, that the Competition Authority was required to redact the name of a specific individual from its decision no. 11/2015., Byko's breach of Article 10 of the Competition Act. The Competition Authority is considering the implications of the Data Protection Authority's ruling for the publication of other names in the decision. The decision of the Data Protection Authority is based on a case-by-case assessment and does not lay down absolute criteria in this regard. Until a position has been taken on this, the decision published here does not contain the names of individuals.