The European Commission is conducting unannounced inspections at the premises of companies involved in the online ordering and delivery of food, groceries, and other consumer goods across two Member States. This action is part of an ongoing investigation into possible violations of EU antitrust rules, specifically concerning cartels and restrictive business practices as outlined in Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

These inspections follow a previous round of inspections carried out in 2022 and have expanded the scope of the investigation. Initially focused on alleged market allocations, the inquiry now also includes potential no-poach agreements and the exchange of commercially sensitive information among companies.

It is important to note that the execution of these inspections does not imply guilt on the part of the companies involved, nor does it preemptively determine the outcome of the investigation. The duration of such inquiries can vary significantly based on factors such as the complexity of the case and the level of cooperation from the companies under investigation.

The European Commission has a leniency programme that allows companies involved in secret cartels to receive immunity from fines or reduced penalties if they report their conduct and cooperate with the investigation. Additionally, individuals and companies can anonymously report any suspected anti-competitive behavior through the Commission's whistle-blower tool, with further details available on the DG Competition's website.