Commission Imposes Highest-Ever Penalty For Prohibited Agreements

In November 2012 the Competition Protection Commission imposed the highest penalty in its history for prohibited agreements between the distributor of Hyundai in Bulgaria, Industrial Commerce OOD, and authorised Hyundai/Industrial Commerce dealers pursuant to Article 15 of the Competition Protection Act and Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

The commission started its investigation in November 2011 based on the findings of its sector inquiry into competition in the market for the distribution of new motor vehicles, spare parts and repair services. The investigation was first opened against Industrial Commerce and one of its affiliates. In order to collect relevant evidence, the commission conducted a dawn raid using forensic tools on the offices of Industrial Commerce and its affiliate. On the basis of the evidence collected, the commission widened the investigation to include the dealers authorised by Industrial Commerce for the