The Bundeskartellamt has concluded a proceeding against the Working Group of Associations of Suppliers of Medical Aids (ARGE) for engaging in anti-competitive price coordination that harmed statutory health insurance companies. This action was prompted by coordinated price increases initiated by ARGE members, which include several associations of medical aid suppliers.

Andreas Mundt, President of the Bundeskartellamt, emphasized that while cooperation among suppliers is permissible, the ARGE's actions effectively eliminated price competition, crossing a critical line in competition law. The ARGE represented about 80% of outlets supplying rehabilitation aids in Germany and had been pushing for uniform price increases since September 2021, citing cost pressures from the Covid-19 pandemic.

In March 2022, the Bundeskartellamt initiated an administrative proceeding against these practices, leading to a statement of objections in January 2023. The ARGE members had attempted to justify their price hikes without providing adequate cost calculations, which the Bundeskartellamt found unacceptable.

Following the objections, the parties opted to dissolve ARGE and terminate the contracts related to the price coordination. They have also committed to refrain from similar practices in the future, with the Bundeskartellamt accepting these commitments as binding, thus concluding the proceeding.