German Bundeskartellamt Updates

Sep 29, 2024

The Bundeskartellamt has declared Microsoft an undertaking of paramount significance for competition across markets, subjecting the company to extended abuse control under the German Competition Act.

Sep 11, 2024

The Bundeskartellamt has closed an investigation into Robert Bosch GmbH over suspicions of abusing its dominant position in the e-bike anti-lock braking systems (ABS) market.

Aug 29, 2024

The Bundeskartellamt has resolved a case involving Aurubis, Wieland, and Schwermetall to eliminate potential restraints on competition in the copper production industry.

Aug 14, 2024

Deutsche Bahn AG has reached agreements with mobility platforms to provide real-time data on passenger rail services, complying with the Bundeskartellamt's ruling on abusive practices.

Jul 25, 2024

The Bundeskartellamt has prohibited Heidelberg University Hospital's acquisition of a majority share in University Hospital Mannheim due to concerns about negative effects on competition and patient choice.

Jul 22, 2024

Ansys Inc. has withdrawn its notification of acquiring a minority shareholding in Safe Parent Inc. after competition concerns raised by the Bundeskartellamt due to their dominant positions in crash simulation software and physical and virtual crash test dummies.

Jul 10, 2024

A recent EU report highlights Germany's low market concentration and stable markups, attributing them to effective competition enforcement, benefiting consumers and the economy.

Jul 1, 2024

AVM Computersysteme Vertriebs GmbH, a German company known for its 'FRITZ!' brand products, has been fined nearly 16 million euros by the Bundeskartellamt for engaging in vertical price fixing with six electronics retailers.

Jun 25, 2024

The Bundeskartellamt's President, Andreas Mundt, emphasizes the importance of fair competition for innovation and consumer welfare in the digital economy and AI era, while addressing cartel prosecution, merger control, consumer protection, and energy market concerns.

Jun 23, 2024

The Bundeskartellamt has approved the acquisition plans involving Castlelake, Air France-KLM, and the Kingdom of Denmark for SAS airline's restructuring amidst its US bankruptcy proceedings.

Jun 18, 2024

The Bundeskartellamt's final report highlights issues with credit scoring practices in the online retail sector, urging for more transparency and compliance with consumer protection laws.

Jun 16, 2024

Thermo Fisher Scientific's acquisition of Olink Holding AB has been approved by the Bundeskartellamt, with no serious competition concerns raised.

Jun 9, 2024

The Bundeskartellamt approves the establishment of the Automotive Licensing Negotiation Group (ALNG) by BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Thyssenkrupp, and VW to collectively negotiate conditions for acquiring standard essential patents (SEPs).

Jun 9, 2024

The Bundeskartellamt has approved Land Berlin's acquisition of 4,500 flats and 40 hectares of undeveloped land from Vonovia, stating that it does not raise competition concerns.

May 28, 2024

The Bundeskartellamt is closely examining the 50+1 rule in light of the European Court of Justice's recent case law and will be scrutinizing Deutsche Fußball Liga's (DFL) licensing practices.

May 14, 2024

The 23rd Annual Conference of the International Competition Network (ICN) is taking place in Sauipe, Brazil from 14 to 17 May 2024, with over 80 jurisdictions represented.

May 14, 2024

The Bundeskartellamt has approved the merger of Konsum Leipzig with EDEKA Nordbayern-Sachsen-Thüringen, allowing Konsum Leipzig to join the EDEKA group.

May 7, 2024

The Bundeskartellamt has given the green light to a reuse system in the plant trade sector aimed at reducing plastic waste, finding it compliant with competition law.

Apr 14, 2024

The Bundeskartellamt has approved Cisalfa Sport S.p.A.'s acquisition of SportScheck GmbH, noting the consolidation in the German sports and outdoor retail sector but finding no competition concerns.

Apr 11, 2024

Hunter Douglas GmbH withdrew its acquisition notification of erfal GmbH & Co. KG due to competition concerns raised by the Bundeskartellamt, citing potential market dominance issues in the production of interior window coverings.