EU Competition

We have accepted commitments from Sanofi to address our concerns about a possible abuse of dominance in the market for enhanced flu vaccines 💉 Our investigation indicated that Sanofi may have spread false or misleading information about its competitor’s vaccine, Fluad, in Germany and France. Sanofi has committed to corrective actions and forward-looking measures, which we have made legally binding 🎬 Watch the video below to learn more about our concerns and how these commitments will help ensure that vulnerable patients can benefit from two enhanced flu vaccines equally recommended in Germany and France. 👉 Read the press release:  https://lnkd.in/e_DEbeFM

Follow Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera's announcement on a competition decision today. ⏰ 9:45 AM 🔴 Watch the live stream on EBS below 👇 https://lnkd.in/e2FarNBB

We have approved Kimberly-Clark’s acquisition of Kenvue, subject to conditions ✅ We had initial concerns that the transaction could significantly reduce competition in the supply of tampons in several EU countries. In particular, our investigation found that it would result in the loss of an important competitor in markets with only a limited number of other suppliers. ⚖️ To address our concerns, Kimberly-Clark has committed to divest all its feminine hygiene brands in the European Economic Area. The brands covered are Kotex, Camelia and Record. These commitments will remove the overlap between the companies’ activities in tampons and ensure that competition can continue in these markets. The approval is conditional on full compliance with the commitments, which an independent trustee will monitor under our supervision. For more information ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/dkyu2VVt

Today we have opened an in-depth investigation into XXXLutz’s proposed acquisition of Porta 🔎 ℹ️ The transaction would combine more than 140 Porta furniture stores with more than 1800 furniture stores mostly operating under XXXLutz’ various brands and procuring their furniture jointly through the purchasing association GIGA International. XXXLutz and Porta are two of the largest furniture retailers in Germany, Czechia and Slovakia. Our preliminary concerns focus on two areas: 🛋️ Retail sale of furniture The transaction may reduce competition, particularly in discount furniture retail in Germany, potentially leading to higher prices and less choice for customers. 📦 Procurement of furniture XXXLutz has significant purchasing power, including through its purchasing association GIGA. By bringing Porta’s brands into GIGA, the transaction may remove one of the very few large alternative customers available to furniture suppliers. The Commission will now investigate whether these preliminary concerns are confirmed. The opening of an in-depth investigation does not prejudge its outcome. For more information ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/gFaArzpT

With the COMPessentials video series, we break down some of the essential concepts behind EU competition policy 📺 Whether you are a student, a beginner, or simply curious about how competition policy shapes our economy and society, these videos are for you. 🎬 Episode 3: State aid. When can governments support companies with public money? And why does the EU have rules on State aid? Watch the third episode on the EU Competition YouTube channel 👇 https://lnkd.in/gwWhKYXf 🔔 New to the series? Catch up on our previous episodes and subscribe to the channel to follow the next ones!

We approved €40.5 million in French State aid to support companies facing increased fuel prices due to the Middle East crisis ✅ The two schemes will provide support to: 🚚 Transport companies (€23.3 million) 🌾 Agricultural, fishery and aquaculture companies (€17.2 million) The aid will take the form of soft loans at a fixed interest rate of 3.8%, backed by a state guarantee. Eligible companies can borrow at favourable conditions between €5,000 and €50,000 for up to 3 years, including a 12-month deferral of principal repayments. The schemes were approved under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework, or METSAF, which allows Member States to provide temporary support to companies affected by the crisis. More information ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/gDW9dXQH

Today we fine Kingspan €40 million for providing incorrect and misleading information during the review of its proposed acquisition of Trimo. ℹ️ Companies under merger investigation must provide correct, complete and non-misleading information. This allows the Commission to assess mergers effectively and within the required timeframe. Today’s decision finds that Kingspan committed four distinct EU Merger rules infringements. In particular, Kingspan provided 🔹 Misleading information on penetration rates for mineral fibre sandwich panels 🔹 Incorrect and/or misleading information about the availability of data records of bids won or lost to competitors 🔹 Incorrect information on the role of Kingspan’s board members 🔹 Incorrect and/or misleading information on the company's research and development These are four serious infringements. They obstructed the merger investigation and made it more difficult to assess the proposed transaction properly. Additionally, Kingspan could not have been unaware of its obligations under the EU Merger Regulation. Its conduct was therefore, at least, negligent. The Commission has fined Kingspan €10 million for each infringement, for a total of €40 million. For more information 👇 https://lnkd.in/gKXACPDJ

Great to meet again Benoît Coeuré to exchange on competition challenges, including the impact of the growing demand of energy for data centres.