The Czech Office for the Protection of Competition (ÚOHS) has released its February newsletter, which provides an overview of key decisions and updates in the field of competition law, public procurement, and state aid.

This edition invites readers to the upcoming May Conference on public procurement, detailing the program and speakers. It also summarizes approved mergers, including the acquisition of 15 pharmacies by the Penta group and the Assas/Czech Pharmacy transaction.

In the public procurement section, the newsletter discusses the rejection of a proposal by the STRABAG group regarding the construction of metro line D and confirms the exclusion of a bidder in the tender for the reconstruction of the New Scene of the National Theatre.

Regarding state aid, the authority highlights updates to methodological documents and related changes stemming from a new European Commission decision on services of general economic interest. Additionally, the newsletter includes a review of selected foreign cases, including a recent decision from the Slovak competition authority.

The newsletter also promotes upcoming professional events organized by ÚOHS.