The President of the Bundeskartellamt, Andreas Mundt, has unveiled the authority's Annual Report for 2024/25, underscoring that competition is essential for a thriving market economy. He stated that growth can only occur in an open competitive environment that fosters innovation and enhances the competitiveness of the economy. Consumers benefit from diversity, quality, and fair prices, which are fundamental for a strong and equitable economy.

The report highlights the authority's significant actions against major tech companies, asserting that Germany has a vibrant startup culture in AI and digital markets. The Bundeskartellamt has utilized both the Digital Markets Act (DMA) at the European level and § 19a of the German Competition Act to ensure that future markets remain accessible to new entrants. Notable legal assessments have been made regarding Apple's App Tracking Transparency Framework and Amazon's pricing control mechanisms, leading to tangible improvements in competition.

In 2024, the Bundeskartellamt imposed approximately €26 million in fines against six companies and one individual, with affected sectors including protective clothing, telecommunications, and construction services. The number of completed proceedings has increased, reflecting a rise in fines and inspections, with 11 searches conducted. The authority has also seen a positive trend in cartel enforcement, aided by tips from the public.

In terms of merger control, the authority reviewed around 870 mergers in 2024, with nine undergoing in-depth scrutiny. Notable prohibitions included the merger of Tönnies International Management GmbH and the acquisition of several companies by Vion GmbH. The Bundeskartellamt emphasized the ongoing importance of merger control for maintaining healthy competition and warned against politicizing the process.

A sector inquiry into the mineral oil market revealed significant competition issues, including high market transparency and dependency on a few price setters. The authority is now investigating whether competition in this market is severely and persistently disturbed, which may lead to further actions.

The Bundeskartellamt is also actively engaged in pilot procedures against district heating providers to assess the legality of price adjustment clauses. Additionally, it is monitoring energy price caps that were in effect throughout 2023, with a final assessment pending after companies complete their end-of-year accounting.

The report notes the establishment of a digital competition register, which has recorded 19,700 companies, and a resurgence in the number of review requests at the federal procurement chambers following a decline during the pandemic. The full Annual Report 2024/25 is available on the Bundeskartellamt's website.