On Monday EU antitrust regulators raided an animal health pharmaceutical company in Belgium on concerns that the company may have abused its dominant position.
The European Commission did not name the company. Companies found guilty of breaching EU antitrust rules can face fines up to 10% of their global turnover.
Unannounced inspections are a preliminary investigatory step into suspected anti-competitive practices. The fact that the Commission carries out such inspections does not mean that the companies are being found guilty of anti-competitive behaviour nor does it prejudge the outcome of the investigation itself.
The Commission fully respects the rights of defence in its antitrust proceedings, in particular the right of companies to be heard. The inspections are conducted in compliance with all coronavirus health and safety protocols to ensure the security of those involved.
There is no legal deadline to complete inquiries into anti-competitive conduct. Their duration depends on a number of factors, including the complexity of each case, the extent to which the companies concerned co-operate with the Commission and the exercise of the rights of defence.
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