Competition law – short overview

Which of the following is NOT an objective of EC competition policy? Preventing large undertakings from abusing their market power. Achieving perfect competition. Persuading firms to rationalise production and distribution, while keeping up to date with technical progress. Persuading firms to rationalise production to benefit producers and consumers

Which of the following would NOT be regarded as an 'agreement' for the purpose of Article 101(1)? A legally binding contract. A unilateral declaration of intention to engage in anti-competitive activity. A voluntary undertaking to limit freedom of action without a contract. A 'gentlemen's' agreement

Which of the following forms of pricing would not be regarded as abusive under Article 102? Charging a price which bears no relation to the economic value of the product. Differential pricing to reflect a different level of service. Predatory pricing. Loyalty rebates.

Which is which? Discriminatory pricingSetting prices below cost to undercut a rival Predatory pricingOffering discount prices to retain customers Fidelity rebatesCharging high prices due to lack of competitors Excessive pricingCharging equivalent customers different prices

What is a 'de minimis' agreement? a) An agreement between very small undertakings. b) An informal agreement. c) An agreement that has no appreciable effect on competition. d) An agreement between a small number of undertakings.

What is meant by 'vertical integration'? a) Control at different levels of the market. b) The ability to eliminate competitors. c) The power to raise barriers to entry. d) The ability to act independently of competitors and consumers.

A SA is the largest producer of apple juice in France. A intends to enter into an agreement with B plc,a UK company manufacturing cartons for drinks. A SA will stop making its own containers and will instead purchase all its containers from B plc. A will have the UK fruit juice market and B plc – the French food packaging market. There will be a reduction in price which will be passed on to the consumer who, in the words of A SA and B plc, will be offered a ‘superior product’.

Cadville currently hold a 55% share in the chocolate retail market of the Benelux countries. retailers can only sell their products in special chilled display units. The agreement also sets a ‘recommended’ price for the company’s products as guidance for the retailers. Cadville Chocolate also send a letter out to all retailers in the Benelux countries informing them that if they engage in any multibuy promotions which mix their products with competitor products, Cadville will then charge a high rent for the display units, and in exceptional circumstances will terminate the supply agreements, and ‘blacklist’ the offending retailers.

Thank you! Jūlija Jerņeva Mob: