Competition and antitrust law
Competition and antitrust law
We observe the rules of fair competition as particularly defined by antitrust laws.
No anti-competitive agreements
We comply with the core principles and the more detailed rules laid out in internal regulations. In particular, we do not reach agreements with our competitors on allocation of territories and customers, prices, and components of prices.
Competitively sensitive information
With third parties, we only exchange competition-sensitive information, such as market strategies, investment strategies, or internal research and development strategies, within the legal limits.
Anti-competitive clauses
We comply with the applicable national regulations governing anti-competitive clauses in contracts with customers or suppliers, and particularly do not restrict customers’ and purchasers’ freedom to set their own resale prices where this is prohibited.
No abuse of dominant position
We do not abuse a dominant market position.
Additional information
The purpose of antitrust laws is to protect competition. They prohibit business behavior which has the objective or the effect of preventing, restricting, or distorting competition.
You received a text message from an old friend who now works for a competitor. After writing about the strength of his company in one region and ours in the other, he wrote, “So, divide and conquer? What do you think?” What should you do?
Forward the text message to the Legal Department immediately with a note that you have concerns about violating competition laws. The message is extremely inappropriate and can lead to serious legal liability if handled improperly.
