Athens, February 16, 2022 - Today, the Hellenic Competition Commission (HCC) carried out unannounced inspections (dawn raids) at the premises of nine (9) undertakings active in the supply and retail sale of pasta products.

The unannounced inspections are part of the HCC’s investigation into suspected anti-competitive practices under Article 1 of Law no. 3959/2011 and/or Article 101 of the Treaty for the Functioning of the European Union. 

The fact that the HCC has carried out inspections does not mean that the inspected undertakings have engaged in anti-competitive behaviour, nor does it prejudge the outcome of the investigation itself. 

Background

The HCC is responsible for enforcing Greek and EU antitrust rules in the Greek territory (Articles 1 and 2 of Greek Law 3959/2011 and Articles 101 and 102 TFEU). 

• Article 1 of Law no. 3959/2011 and Article 101 of the TFEU prohibit anticompetitive agreements and decisions of associations of undertakings that prevent, restrict or distort competition. 
• Article 2 of Law no. 3959/2011 and Article 102 of the TFEU prohibits the abuse of a dominant position. 

In the face of an unprecedented economic crisis, the HCC investigates and prosecutes any suspected infringement of Greek and EU antitrust laws which is brought to its attention through complaints, applications for leniency, or other sources of information, including its recently launched whistleblowing tool.  The HCC will impose severe administrative sanctions on undertakings which are found to have adopted such anti-competitive practices.