The European Union has become antitrust player; investigations of mergers and other global deals costs U.S. companies money and time - and are proliferating

Article Abstract:

The European Branch, the European Union's (EU) executive branch, has merger regulations which trigger antitrust review. While EU merger standards are similar to American ones, observers feel EU officials are more lenient in permitting mergers. EU antitrust policy is based on articles 85 and 86 of the organization's founding pact, the 1957 Treaty of Rome. Agreements with an adverse impact on trade between member countries or resulting in unfair competition or abusive monopolies by dominant companies are banned. The commission in staffed by political appointees from the EU's 15 member countries.

Europe, European Union. European Commission, Powers and duties

---

EC displays new fervor in antitrust prosecution

Article Abstract:

The European Commission (EC) has begun to formulate and enforce fair and stringent antitrust laws. Cases of price information exchange between industry members through trade associations have led to fines of the companies and associations involved, and made clear that non-public pricing information is not to be shared. The procedures for mergers have been clarified, and product markets are being established. The single economic entity theory is also playing a more substantial role in EC antitrust law.

Laws, regulations and rules, Acquisitions and mergers, Cartels, European Community

---

Antitrust law; global compliance gets ever more complicated; companies are subject to more nations' competition laws, even where they do not do business

Article Abstract:

The only antitrust worry of US companies used to be US antitrust laws, but with an increasingly global economy they are subject to many regulatory regimes which may be in conflict. Extraterritorial jurisdiction forms part of most countries' antitrust laws. Foreign law may apply if commercial conduct affects markets in that country. Resources diverted to antitrust compliance can be minimized with early efforts to become familiar with applicable antitrust laws.

Analysis, International competition (Commerce), International competition (Economics), international

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: The role of firm-specific capital in vertical mergers. Another look at Alcoa: raising rivals' costs does not improve the view
• Abstracts: Antitrust policy, innovation efficiencies, and the suppression of technology. Restrictions on innovation: an EU antitrust approach
• Abstracts: Italy introduces rules on taxation of trusts. The new Italian provision on the fiscal residence of foreign companies - the legislator's haste and Tax Authorities' "distractions."
• Abstracts: Investigators on big cases must be accountable; lawyers should make sure that investigators know the case and applicable evidence rules
• Abstracts: International arbitration under U.S. law and AAA rules. Bilateral investment treaties and arbitration

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.