European Commission investigates Suez, Veolia, SAUR, for trust practices

[vc_column width=”1/3″ el_position=”first”] [/vc_column] [vc_column_text width=”2/3″ el_position=”last”]

[box] An interesting for the general public investigation is being conducted by European Commission for the practices of multinationals of water. The investigation concerns possible monopolistic practices and practices of conduct harmonization but it is definitely a step – even as a result of international pressure -, to control these major players. Already in the process, fines of 8 million euros  have been issued and it remains to be seen how will this case end. Let us remind you that  Suez lost at appeal level, in the French court its action for libel with the producers of the documentary FLOW-For love of Water and there is also a relevant case pending between Veolia and the producers of the documentary “Water makes money”.  The ase is of great interest to Greece since Suez is a minor stockholder of the water company of Thessaloniki  EYATH and has already expressed its will to buy it out completely. /box]

[/vc_column_text] [vc_column_text width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”]

EUROPEAN COMMISSION – PRESS RELEASE

ANTITRUST: COMMISSION OPENS PROCEEDINGS AGAINST COMPANIES IN FRENCH WATER SECTOR

Brussels, 18 January 2012 – The European Commission has opened formal antitrust proceedings to investigate whether the French companies SAUR, Suez Environnement/Lyonnaise des Eaux and Veolia, together with their trade association Fédération Professionnelle des Entreprises de l’Eau (“FP2E”), have coordinated their behaviour on French water and waste water markets, in breach of EU antitrust rules. The opening of proceedings means that the Commission will treat the case as a matter of priority. It does not prejudge the outcome of the investigation

The Commission will examine whether the undertakings concerned have coordinated their behaviour in markets for water and waste water services in France, in particular with respect to elements of the price invoiced to final consumers, contrary to Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).The provision of these services is contracted out by local authorities to private companies.

The duration of antitrust investigations depends on a number of factors, including the complexity of each case, the extent to which the undertakings concerned cooperate with the Commission and the exercise of the rights of defence.

Background on the French water sector investigation

In April 2010, the Commission carried out unannounced inspections at the premises of several French companies active in the water and waste water services markets (see MEMO/10/134).

In the context of the same antitrust investigation, the Commission has fined Suez Environnement and its subsidiary Lyonnaise des Eaux (LDE) €8 million for the breach of a seal affixed by the Commission during an inspection at LDE’s premises in April 2010 (see IP/11/632).

Background on antitrust investigations

Article 101 of the TFEU prohibits agreements and concerted practices which may affect trade and prevent or restrict competition. The implementation of this provision is defined in the Antitrust Regulation (Council Regulation No 1/2003) which can be applied by the Commission and by the national competition authorities of EU Member States.

The legal base for this procedural step is Article 11(6) of the Antitrust Regulation.

Article 11(6) provides that the initiation of proceedings relieves the competition authorities of the Member States of their authority to also apply the EU competition rules. Moreover, Article 16(1) of the same Regulation provides that national courts must avoid giving decisions which would conflict with a decision contemplated by the Commission in proceedings that it has initiated.

The Commission has informed the companies and the Member States’ competition authorities that it has formally opened proceedings in this case.

Contacts :

Marisa Gonzalez Iglesias (+32 2 295 19 25)

Maria Madrid Pina (+32 2 295 45 30)

[/vc_column_text] [vc_separator width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”] [vc_message color=”alert-info” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”]

Second thoughts …

While listening to these news is positive at the start, it is the outcome of the process that will determine whether the investigation conducted, (which essentially undertakes centrally the work of investigating the case by taking it off the hands of national competition authorities and national courts as reported in this same press release of the European Commission) will give substantial fruits or serve as an opened “safety bag” launched amidst the European scenery of conflict so that such companies fall in soft … We anticipate the outcome to decide …

[/vc_message] [vc_separator width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”]