The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) is conducting an investigation into a possible buyer cartel involving certain reusable waste products.
As part of this investigation, ACM conducted dawn raids at the premises of various buyers of these waste products.
ACM suspects that the buyers secretly made illegal arrangements involving the purchasing price. ACM additionally suspects that the buyers divided suppliers among themselves. As a consequence, the suppliers’ ability to sell has been restricted. Buyer cartels are anticompetitive, and harm suppliers.
Over the next few months, ACM will assess whether or not the competition rules have indeed been violated. ACM may reach the conclusion that the rules have not been violated. If that is the case, the investigation will be suspended. If ACM does establish a violation, it may lead to a sanction such as a fine.
Full Content: ACM
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