The Bundeskartellamt has fined AVM Computersysteme Vertriebs GmbH and one of its staff members for vertical price fixing with electronics retailers, following tip-offs and a dawn raid in February 2022.

The company is accused of coordinating price increases with retailers, aiming to restrict price competition and harm end consumers. AVM employees monitored and enforced minimum sales prices, leading to retailers adjusting their prices upwards.

The fines imposed by the Bundeskartellamt serve as a warning against violations of resale price maintenance rules. AVM's actions were found to hinder the free formation of prices in the distribution of its telecommunications and network technology products.

No fines were imposed on the retailers involved in the price-fixing scheme. A settlement was considered in setting the fines, and the orders are final. A case summary will be published on the Bundeskartellamt's website in accordance with the German Competition Act.