Brussels, 10 March 2025 – The European Commission has carried out unannounced antitrust inspections at the premises of companies operating in the non-alcoholic drinks sector across multiple Member States. Simultaneously, it has issued a formal request for information to a company in the personal care sector as part of a separate investigation.
The inspections and information request stem from concerns that the companies involved may have breached EU antitrust laws, specifically Articles 101 and 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which prohibit cartels, restrictive business practices, and abuses of market dominance. The Commission’s inquiry is focused on potential restrictions on the trade of goods within the Single Market and possible market segmentation.
Officials from the European Commission were accompanied by representatives from national competition authorities during the inspections. The investigations relate to practices that may still be ongoing and span multiple Member States.
Background and Legal Framework
Unannounced inspections, often referred to as ‘dawn raids,’ serve as an initial investigatory step in suspected antitrust violations. Their execution does not imply guilt or prejudge the final outcome of the Commission’s inquiry. Companies under investigation retain the right to defend themselves and respond to allegations.
Additionally, requests for information under Article 18(3) of EC Regulation 1/2003 enable the Commission to obtain relevant data from companies suspected of engaging in anticompetitive practices. Firms receiving such requests are legally obliged to provide full and timely responses.
There is no fixed timeline for concluding antitrust investigations, as their duration depends on factors such as case complexity, the level of cooperation from the companies involved, and the procedural rights exercised by the parties concerned.
Companies participating in cartels may qualify for leniency under the Commission’s leniency programme, potentially receiving immunity from fines or significant reductions in penalties in exchange for self-reporting and cooperating with authorities. The Commission also offers a whistle-blower tool for individuals and companies to anonymously report anticompetitive behaviour.
Further details on the investigation and the Commission’s enforcement measures can be found on the website of the Directorate-General for Competition.
Source: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_737
