German Bundeskartellamt Updates

Feb 12, 2025

The German competition authority has expressed preliminary concerns regarding Apple's App Tracking Transparency Framework, suggesting it may unfairly disadvantage third-party app providers compared to Apple itself.

Dec 18, 2024

In 2024, the Bundeskartellamt imposed significant fines for cartel agreements, examined numerous mergers, and intensified scrutiny on major tech companies and energy suppliers to ensure fair competition.

Dec 17, 2024

The Bundeskartellamt has rejected RTL's proposal to jointly market advertising for RTL2, citing concerns over competition and potential price increases for advertisers.

Dec 8, 2024

The Bundeskartellamt has officially classified Microsoft as a significant competitor across various markets, with a decision published on September 27, 2024.

Nov 28, 2024

The Bundeskartellamt found that the takeover of Inflection AI, Inc. by Microsoft Corporation did not fall under German merger control due to Inflection's minimal operations in Germany.

Nov 26, 2024

The Bundeskartellamt and Bundesnetzagentur have published the 2024 Monitoring Report, highlighting significant developments in Germany's electricity and gas markets, particularly the rise of renewable energy sources.

Nov 24, 2024

The Bundeskartellamt has released its latest Market Power Report focusing on the electricity generation sector, highlighting the structural market power of leading suppliers like RWE and the impact of market developments on competition.

Nov 17, 2024

The Bundeskartellamt has approved Kaufland's acquisition of four large food retail stores from Globus, while expressing competition concerns over the Neubrandenburg store.

Nov 14, 2024

The ninth Franco-German Competition Day in Paris highlighted discussions on generative artificial intelligence and competition issues in the retail sector, emphasizing the strong partnership between the Bundeskartellamt and the Autorité de la concurrence.

Nov 10, 2024

The Bundeskartellamt approves the collaboration between Bauer and AdAlliance to jointly market advertising space in popular magazine titles, despite concerns about potential limitations on competition.

Nov 5, 2024

Strabag AG has been fined 2.79 million euros by the Bundeskartellamt for engaging in collusive behavior during a tender procedure for the renovation of Cologne's Zoobrücke bridge.

Oct 9, 2024

The Bundeskartellamt has wrapped up its Facebook proceeding with a set of measures enhancing users' control over their data on the social network.

Sep 30, 2024

The Bundeskartellamt's final report reveals issues of competition in the provision of EV charging electricity, suggesting measures to enhance competitive structures and promote electric mobility.

Sep 29, 2024

The Bundeskartellamt has declared Microsoft an undertaking of paramount significance for competition across markets, subjecting the company to extended abuse control under the German Competition Act.

Sep 11, 2024

The Bundeskartellamt has closed an investigation into Robert Bosch GmbH over suspicions of abusing its dominant position in the e-bike anti-lock braking systems (ABS) market.

Aug 29, 2024

The Bundeskartellamt has resolved a case involving Aurubis, Wieland, and Schwermetall to eliminate potential restraints on competition in the copper production industry.

Aug 14, 2024

Deutsche Bahn AG has reached agreements with mobility platforms to provide real-time data on passenger rail services, complying with the Bundeskartellamt's ruling on abusive practices.

Jul 25, 2024

The Bundeskartellamt has prohibited Heidelberg University Hospital's acquisition of a majority share in University Hospital Mannheim due to concerns about negative effects on competition and patient choice.

Jul 22, 2024

Ansys Inc. has withdrawn its notification of acquiring a minority shareholding in Safe Parent Inc. after competition concerns raised by the Bundeskartellamt due to their dominant positions in crash simulation software and physical and virtual crash test dummies.

Jul 10, 2024

A recent EU report highlights Germany's low market concentration and stable markups, attributing them to effective competition enforcement, benefiting consumers and the economy.