Infringements


BvD participated in illegal price fixing and customer sharing in relation to the sale of subscriptions for business information databases. The company also engaged in the illegal exchange of information. The overall infringement covered the entire territory of Austria and occurred during the period from July 2002 at the latest until 6 September 2019. Another company was also involved in these infringements; AFCA’s investigations into its breaches are still ongoing.


Cooperation and leniency status


BvD applied to the AFCA for leniency, subsequently fully cooperating with the AFCA to clarify the facts of the case. In this context, BvD has acknowledged the infringements and has not contested the facts on which the decision is based. Based on BvD’s comprehensive cooperation under the leniency programme, the AFCA refrained from applying for the imposition of a fine and only requested that the Cartel Court find an infringement.


Leniency without a fine


The AFCA may apply for a reduced fine for a company, or refrain from applying for the imposition of a fine altogether. This may only be done if the company is actively helping to uncover a cartel. To this end, it is essential that the company cooperates truthfully, promptly and without restrictions. (For further information, please refer to: Leniency.)

Austrian Authority Investigates Bureau van Dijk for Price Fixing

The Austrian competition authority (AFCA) has initiated proceedings against Bureau van Dijk Editions Electroniques Sarl (BvD) for engaging in illegal price fixing and customer sharing in the sale of subscriptions for business information databases.

This infringement reportedly took place across Austria from July 2002 until September 6, 2019. BvD has acknowledged its involvement in these illegal activities and has cooperated fully with the AFCA during the investigation.

As part of its leniency application, BvD has provided comprehensive information to the AFCA, which has led the authority to refrain from seeking a fine against the company. Instead, the AFCA has requested that the Cartel Court formally recognize the infringement.

The leniency program allows companies that actively assist in uncovering cartel activities to potentially avoid fines, provided they cooperate truthfully and promptly with the authorities.



AFCA files application for a finding of an infringement by Bureau van Dijk Editions Electroniques Sarl relating to the sale of subscriptions for business information databases

Austrian Authority Investigates Bureau van Dijk for Price Fixing

The Austrian competition authority has filed an application against Bureau van Dijk for participating in illegal price fixing and customer sharing related to business information databases.