The Hungarian Competition Authority (GVH) has imposed a fine of 547.8 million HUF on three companies involved in a cartel concerning healthcare equipment. This decision follows a partially repeated procedure where the companies acknowledged the facts and cooperated with the GVH.

Initially, in early 2020, the GVH had fined ten companies over 1.6 billion HUF for collusion in public procurement procedures related to imaging diagnostic equipment. Some companies cooperated with the GVH, leading to reduced fines for them, which they have since paid into the central budget.

The three companies, GE Hungary Industrial and Commercial Ltd., Premier G. Med Healthcare Ltd., and Medirex Plc., challenged the GVH's decision in court. The Supreme Court upheld the GVH's ruling on the existence of the cartel but mandated a repeated procedure for reassessing the fines.

During the repeated procedure, the companies cooperated, did not contest the facts, and waived their right to appeal. As a result of their cooperation, they received significant reductions in their fines.

Ultimately, the GVH distributed a total fine of 547.8 million HUF among the three companies (GE Hungary: 238.8 million HUF, Premier G. Med: 202.3 million HUF, Medirex: 106.7 million HUF). With this decision, all companies involved in the original cartel case agreed to pay their fines to the central budget, resulting in total revenues exceeding 1.4 billion HUF for the GVH.

The GVH emphasizes the benefits of cooperation with the national competition authority, highlighting that such collaboration can significantly reduce fines and expedite proceedings. Details on cooperation opportunities and potential leniencies are available on the GVH's website.