Antitrust Report 2018

In 2017-2018 the Russian Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) actively continued investigations and proceedings against both Russian and multinational companies, with a large part of its activity addressed at tender-related violations. Digital business and technology-driven changes remain a focus of FAS, with enforcement on algorithm-driven cartels and offences (LG Electronics and other cases) and envisaged legal changes on digital platforms. Significant legislative changes in 2017-2018 comprise differentiation of liability for antitrust violations, basically resulting in a reduction of maximum fines for vertical agreements. Highlights in the merger control area include Bayer/Monsanto which became one of the few examples of FAS imposing conditions on the parties that were challenged.