The Danish competition authority has imposed a fine of DKK 10 million on AFA Decaux for engaging in illegal coordination of discount rates with its competitor, Clear Channel Denmark, from September 2008 to April 2015.

This collusion involved offering coordinated discount rates for media commissions, information compensation, and security deposits to advertisers. Additionally, cash discounts were also coordinated between the two companies during part of this period.

The Copenhagen City Court characterized the violation as serious and noted its duration when determining the fine. The court considered the defendant's group turnover and the fact that part of the violation occurred before a penalty increase in March 2013.

In a related development, Clear Channel Denmark admitted to violating the Competition Act in April 2024 and agreed to pay a fine of DKK 6 million. The Competition Council had previously ruled in 2018 that both companies violated the Competition Act, leading to a lengthy legal process that continued until 2023.

Since the case predates the 2021 amendment of the Danish Competition Act, the National Unit for Special Crime (NSK) has been overseeing the criminal proceedings after the Competition Council referred the matter to the police. If the violation had occurred today, the Danish Competition and Consumer Authority would have managed the case directly.