The Czech Office for the Protection of Competition has imposed a fine of CZK 38.97 million (approximately €1.59 million) on HP TRONIC Zlín for engaging in prohibited agreements restricting competition in the electrical appliances sector.
According to the authority, HP Tronic violated both Czech and EU competition rules by fixing minimum resale prices for retailers over a period exceeding ten years, beginning in 2012. The company has appealed the decision, and the case will now be reviewed by the President of the Office.
HP Tronic is a major Czech distributor and retailer of consumer electronics and household goods, operating under the DATART and ETA brands through a large network of physical stores and online shops.
The authority found that the company imposed minimum resale prices on its retail customers for a broad range of products, including large and small household appliances, consumer electronics, computer equipment, and telecommunications devices. Retailers were allegedly prevented from independently setting lower resale prices for consumers.
The investigation also concluded that HP Tronic actively monitored compliance with the pricing policies and pressured retailers selling below the prescribed levels to increase their prices. According to the authority, sanctions were imposed on retailers that failed to comply with the company’s instructions.
The Czech competition authority stated that the fine was reduced because HP Tronic admitted the anti-competitive conduct during the proceedings, applied for leniency, strengthened its internal compliance measures, and agreed to a settlement procedure.
The case forms part of the authority’s broader enforcement campaign against resale price maintenance practices. The regulator emphasized that supplier-imposed retail price restrictions artificially align market prices and can lead to higher prices for consumers.
In recent years, the authority has issued several significant fines for similar conduct, particularly in the electronics and pet food sectors. Previous cases included fines against Electrolux, VAFO, Groupe SEB, and Tescoma.
