The Competition Commission has decided to grant priority examination status and to assign a competent Rapporteur to cases concerning suspected vertical cartels in the market for school bags, as well as in the import, wholesale, and retail markets for branded clothing and footwear. The decision was taken in accordance with the applicable legal provisions and procedural rules governing competition enforcement.
The proceedings stem from investigative actions carried out by the Directorate General of Competition (DGCC). In September 2021, the DGCC conducted on-site inspections at companies active in the production and distribution of school bags, school backpacks, and school lunch bags, following suspicions of vertical collusion with retailers. In 2024, the authority broadened its investigation on its own initiative to cover the import, wholesale, and retail trade of branded clothing and footwear, reflecting concerns that similar anticompetitive practices may be present in these adjacent markets.
The Competition Commission acts as the guardian of the proper functioning of the free market and is responsible for enforcing competition rules pursuant to Law 3959/2011 and Articles 101 and 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Under this framework, agreements between undertakings, decisions by associations of undertakings, and concerted practices that have as their object or effect the restriction of competition are prohibited. Greek competition law also addresses unilateral practices that amount to invitations to engage in prohibited collusion, including the public signalling of future pricing intentions to competitors. In addition, both national and EU law prohibit the abuse of a dominant position.
The assignment of a Rapporteur marks a procedural milestone, as it triggers the statutory deadlines set out in Article 15(4) and (5) of Law 3959/2011 for the adoption of a decision by the Competition Commission. However, this procedural step does not prejudge either the findings of the Rapporteur or the final outcome of the proceedings. The authority has noted that the legal deadlines are indicative, and that the duration of the examination will depend on factors such as the complexity of each case, the size of the administrative record, the number of undertakings involved, and the extent of their cooperation with the investigation.