Proceedings against Grupo Malla
On 4 October 2010, the Investigations Division of the Comisión Nacional de la Competencia ('CNC'), Spain's antitrust authority, commenced proceedings against Grupo Malla for possible restrictive practices.
The CNC's Investigations Division started proceedings on its own initiative after becoming aware that Grupo Malla could have a dominant position in the market for external advertising in the Balearic Islands, which it may have abused to secure advertising contracts with public authorities or private entities in the Balearic Islands.
Proceedings against Orona Sociedad Cooperativa ('Orona') and Omega Elevator S.A. ('Omega')
On 7 October 2010, the CNC's Investigations Division opened formal proceedings on its own initiative against Orona and Omega for entering into agreement which could potentially limit competition in the lift manufacturing and wholesale sector.
The CNC decided to commence proceedings against these companies as a result of information it collected during the monitoring of the merger authorised on 2 July 2009 by which Orona acquired exclusive control over certain assets relating to the marketing, assembly and maintenance of Omega lift equipment.
Proceedings against the Spanish Gas Association ('Sedigas') for alleged restrictive practices
On 8 October 2010, the CNC's Investigations Division commenced proceedings against Sedigas for allegedly engaging in restrictive practices. The basis of the allegations is a report drafted by Sedigas under the remit of its distributors' committee and circulated to the Autonomous Communities containing proposed tariffs for periodic inspections of natural gas installations. It is considered that this could amount to an anti-competitive agreement or collective recommendation. The practices analysed arose out of a complaint submitted by a private individual.
The opening of the above proceedings against Grupo Malla, Orona, Omega and Sedigas does not pre-judge the final outcome of the investigations. The CNC now has up to a maximum period of 18 months to investigate the three cases and issue respective decisions.
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