The Competition Council has sanctioned 65 companies and an association with total fines of more than 130 million lei (approximately 26 million euros) for allegedly engaging in collusion in the Romanian market for vehicle maintenance and repair services.
56 sub-sanctioned companies are or were members of the Association of Dacia, Renault and Nissan dealers – ACODAREN and carry out, among other things, car repair activities.
Following an investigation, the competition authority found that they coordinated their commercial behavior through ACODAREN, jointly agreeing, among other things, the fixed level of prices for spare parts and labor rates used for certain insurance companies. Thus, they eliminated competition among themselves.
These actions were supported, consolidated and reinforced by the conduct and actions carried out by Renault Commercial Roumanie SRL, RCI Broker de Asigurare SRL and the insurance companies Allianz-Țiriac Asigurări SA, Omniasig Vienna Insurance Group SA, Groupama Asigurări SA, Uniqa Asigurări SA , Asigurarea Românească – Asirom Vienna Insurance Group SA, Euroins România Asigurare – Reasigurare SA, Societatea Asigurare – Reasigurare Astra SA, their participation provides an understanding of a larger scale than if it was limited to the coordination of the behavior of repairers.
Thus, Renault Commercial Roumanie SRL and the involved insurance companies were fined a total of 120.9 million lei.
The remaining amount, up to 130 million lei, represents fines applied to car repairers who participated in the settlement. The Competition Law prohibits any arrangement or agreement between companies that restricts or distorts competition in the Romanian market, especially those that divide markets.
Decisions of the Competition Council are subject to enforcement, and imposed fines are revenues to the state budget. The National Agency for Tax Administration (ANAF) implements the decision of the antimonopoly authority on the application of sanctions and enforces fines.
The complete list of fined subjects you can consult here
Forum Source: Sarinya Pinngam | Dreamstime.com
Source: Hot News
Mary Robinson is a renowned journalist in the field of Automobile. She currently works as a writer at 247 news reel. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for all things Automotive, Mary’s writing provides readers with in-depth analysis and unique perspectives on the latest developments in the field.