The Bundeskartellamt imposed fines on AVM Computersysteme Vertriebs GmbH and one staff member for vertical price fixing with electronics retailers. AVM is known for its 'FRITZ!' brand products, including routers, repeaters, telephones, and smart home devices.

The investigation was initiated based on an anonymous tip-off and further information from market participants, leading to a dawn raid in February 2022.

AVM employees were found to have coordinated end consumer prices with retailers, aiming for price increases and restricting price competition. The Bundeskartellamt emphasized that such violations of resale price maintenance are not acceptable.

AVM employees monitored retailers' end consumer prices, demanded target prices, and ensured price coordination, especially when prices were below targets. Retailers often adjusted prices upwards following AVM's objections.

The fines imposed on AVM took into account the possibility of a settlement. The orders are final, and no fines were levied on the retailers involved in the price-fixing scheme.

A case summary under the German Competition Act will be published on the Bundeskartellamt's website to provide further details on the investigation and fines.