The Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) initiated antitrust proceedings against 10 entities – pharmaceutical wholesalers and software suppliers, the Office said. UOKiK has brought charges of anti-competitive information exchange, including about the price lists used, discounts and margins granted. Such actions could limit competition in the market and result in higher prices for consumers in pharmacies.
Entrepreneurs face fines of up to 10% of annual turnover for anti-competitive practices, it was reported.
“The evidence obtained during the searches at the headquarters of the companies indicates that an agreement involving the exchange of information between entrepreneurs may have been reached. Wholesalers had access to strategic data of competitors. The obtained information could reduce their uncertainty as to the actions of other market participants and allow them to adapt to them, prevent price wars or provide support in negotiations with drug manufacturers. All this could restrict competition and, as a result, lead to higher prices on pharmacy shelves for consumers,” said Tomasz Chróstny, President of UOKiK in an annoucement.
The allegations concern the companies: Farmacol ITB, Farmacol, Farmacol Serwis, Farmacol-Logistyka, Farmateka, Kamsoft, Neuca, Polska Grupa Farmaceutyczna, SoftForYou and Świat Zdrowia. The practices suspected by the Office may violate both national and EU regulations.
Source: UOKiK and ISBnews
