The Office of Competition and Consumer Protection entered the headquarters of consumer electronics and household appliances giants. Searches in AB, Action and Beko

The President of the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection initiated explanatory proceedings and ordered a search at the premises of the largest electronics wholesalers – AB, Action and GT Group Tomaszek, and one of the manufacturers – Beko – the Office said in a statement.

The Office informed that it had received signals indicating the possibility of concluding agreements restricting competition in the sale of electronic equipment. The collusion could concern many popular IT, consumer electronics and household appliances products, e.g. computers, laptops, televisions, washing machines, refrigerators, stoves, vacuum cleaners, hair dryers.

The case may have a very wide scope, covering devices of many brands. We are analyzing extensive evidence collected during the searches, said Tomasz Chróstny, president of the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection, quoted in the release.

The searches, with the court's consent and with the assistance of the police, took place at the offices of the three largest wholesale distributors of household appliances, electronics and IT equipment in Poland:

• AB,
• Action,
• GT Group Tomaszek,

and also from one of the producers – Beko.

As stated, explanatory proceedings are ongoing in the caseand not against specific entrepreneurs. If the collected material confirms the suspicions, the President of the Office will start antitrust proceedings and bring charges against specific entities.

Participation in an agreement restricting competition may result in a financial penalty of up to 10%. entrepreneur's turnover. Managers responsible for concluding the collusion may be subject to a fine of up to PLN 2 million. (PAP Business)

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