On 19 and 27 October 2010, the Spanish Competition Authority ('CNC'), carried out dawn raids in the headquarters of the main companies active on the market for manufacturing, distribution and marketing of paper envelopes, office material and other products related to the manufacturing of paper.
The CNC has concerns about possible anti-competitive practices in these sectors; namely agreements to coordinate price increases and allocate consumers in the Spanish market.
Inspectors of the relevant Regional Competition Authorities in Spain, where the relevant companies are located, have assisted with the investigations at the request of the Investigations Division of the CNC. The inspections are a preliminary step in the process of investigating alleged anti-competitive practices and do not mean that the companies are guilty of anti-competitive behaviour nor do they prejudge the outcome of the investigation.
Nevertheless, if any evidence of such restrictive practices is proved, this would constitute a violation of both Article 1 of Law 15/2007, the Spanish Competition Act, and Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. These practices are considered a very serious offence, which could result in the imposition of a fine of up to 10% of the total turnover of the companies concerned during the financial year prior to the imposition of such a fine.
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