The President of the Polish Competition Authority, Tomasz Chróstny, has initiated an investigation into possible collusion that restricts competition, specifically focusing on Electrolux Poland and its distributors. This investigation follows searches conducted at the offices of Electrolux Poland and major retailers including RTV Euro AGD, Media Markt, and Media Expert.

Authorities suspect that there may have been illegal price-fixing for various Electrolux and AEG products, including vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, dishwashers, ovens, irons, coffee machines, and kettles. Such practices could have deprived consumers of the opportunity to purchase these appliances at lower prices, both in physical stores and online.

In his statement, President Chróstny mentioned that the investigation was launched after receiving information about potential legal violations. Following court approval, searches were carried out at the offices of Electrolux Poland and its distributors, and the evidence collected is currently under analysis.

The searches were conducted with police assistance at various locations, including the offices of Euro-Net (owner of RTV Euro AGD), Media Saturn Holding Poland, and Terg (owner of Media Expert). The investigation is being conducted against the companies rather than specific individuals. If the evidence confirms the suspicions, the authority will initiate antitrust proceedings and may impose fines on the involved parties.

Participation in anti-competitive agreements can lead to fines of up to 10% of a company's turnover, while managers responsible for such collusion may face penalties of up to 2 million PLN. This is not the first intervention by the Polish Competition Authority regarding collusion among electronics and household appliance manufacturers with large retailers. Recently, a decision was made against Jura Poland and its retailers for over a decade of illegal price-fixing on Jura coffee machines, resulting in fines exceeding 66 million PLN.

Companies can avoid severe penalties through a leniency program, which offers a chance to reduce or eliminate fines for those who cooperate as whistleblowers and provide evidence of illegal agreements. Interested parties can contact the authority for more information about the leniency program.