Competition law
Posts
E-commerce and Competition: The European Commission’s Sector Inquiry
The European Commission’s report on the e-commerce sector released in May (the Report) outlines the main trends and potential competition barriers in the online retail. Overall, the Commission did not deem necessary a review of the Vertical Block Exemption Regulation (VBER). This means that despite the ongoing innovations in the e-commerce business models, at this […]
Bulgaria’s Competition Commission Activity in 2016 in Numbers
The national competition authority (CPC) has just published its annual activity report for the preceding 2016 year. In Bulgaria, CPC has controlling and enforcement powers in three major areas: antitrust and competition, public procurement procedures appeals and appeals relating to concession procedures. Here is some of the published statistical data in the area of competition […]
Vendor’s Counsel Role in A Merger Filing in Bulgaria
In a merger control case in Bulgaria what would vendor’s counsel role be, if any at all? In short, normally vendor’s counsel role would be minor. An efficient and proactive counsel may, however, save costs and reduce the risks associated with the merger control aspects of a transaction (an exit/divestment). We have seen the benefits of such a role […]
A third party’s liability for a failure to respond to a Bulgarian competition authority’s information request
We have heard this question often from clients and peers, mainly from foreign jurisdictions. We’ve always responded that this is a relevant question and it must not be neglected since it needs to be considered along with all associated risks (such as legal, financial, reputational, etc.) and costs. We say: “If you are a third […]
Proposal for Amendment of the Bulgarian Competition Law
Bulgaria’s Parliament is currently discussing a draft law on amendment of the effective Protection of Competition Act. The bill has been proposed by individual Members of the Parliament and is a result of a continued lobbying by several groupings of local companies, mainly from the food and beverage industries. If enacted by the Parliament as […]