Cartels and abuse of dominance
Examples of our recent work include:
Private school price-fixing
Acting for a leading public school in the landmark private schools price-fixing case. The unusual settlement negotiated with the OFT meant that the schools escaped more serious and costly sanctions.
Current cases
We are currently advising on two cartel cases before the European Commission and an abuse of dominance case under investigation by the OFT.
Finnish Chemicals
Acting for Finnish Chemicals in the sodium chlorate cartel and securing a 50 per cent reduction in the fine imposed by the European Commission. This case was particularly noteworthy as our tactics enabled us to “leap-frog” another leniency applicant and obtain the maximum 50 per cent reduction in penalty available rather than the 30 per cent that would otherwise have been available.
Gaviscon
Acting for the complainant in connection with the OFT investigation into alleged anti-competitive behaviour by Reckitt Benckiser in the supply of its Gaviscon heartburn treatment. As a result, in October 2010, Reckitt Benckiser admitted liability and agreed to a pay a fine of £10.2m. This is first fine imposed by the OFT in an abuse of dominance case since 2003.
Reebok
Acting for Reebok in connection with an OFT investigation into arrangements with a leading retailer concerning the supply of sportswear. Our strategy was successful in persuading the OFT to drop the case after three years of enquiry “in view of the nature and robustness of the evidence”.
Thresher’s
Acting for Thresher’s ultimate parent company in the tobacco cartel and securing a substantial discount in the fine to be imposed by the OFT by negotiating an “early resolution” agreement.
Woolworths
Acting for Woolworths in an OFT cartel investigation, which resulted in other parties being fined whereas our tactics led to the case against our client being dropped.
Related practice areas
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