Greece: Germanos telco franchise lands statement of objections, probe to follow

Telecommunications retail chain Germanos, a subsidiary of Cosmote, will be investigated by regulators after having received a statement of objections regarding resale price maintenance, among other allegations. According to a press release from the Hellenic Competition Commission, the watchdog’s Grand Chamber will hear the case in mid-September after receiving complaints that the telco violated various competition laws by restricting cross-supplies between its distributors and stores, leading to a “selective distribution system.” The full press release can be read below.

HELLENIC REPUBLIC

HELLENIC COMPETITION COMMISSION

Athens, 16 July 2013

PRESS RELEASE

Investigation (following complaints) into alleged infringements of Articles 1 of the Greek Competition Act and 101 TFEU by the telecommunications retailer GERMANOS

Following the issuing of a statement of objections, the Grand Chamber of the Hellenic Competition Commission will convene in mid-September and hear a case of alleged infringements of Articles 1 of Law 3959/2011 and 101 TFEU in connection with the franchise system operated by the telecommunications retail sales chain GERMANOS, a subsidiary of COSMOTE, in the Greek territory.

According to the statement of objections, GERMANOS engaged in practices which amount to resale price maintenance and a restriction of cross-supplies between distributors/franchisees within its selective distribution system.

The issuing of a statement of objections does not prejudge the existence of an infringement. The Hellenic Competition Commission will decide upon the case, taking into account all relevant facts and after hearing all implicated parties.

Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.