The Spanish Commission for Markets and Competition (CNMC) has initiated sanctioning proceedings against the companies Agroferba, S. L., Talleres Villalvilla, S. L., and Ecotractor del Sur, S. L. for alleged violations of competition regulations.
These companies are being investigated for possible client allocation, information exchanges, and/or price fixing in the agricultural machinery distribution market, under file S/0003/25.
Investigation Origins
The investigation began following a complaint filed by the Agricultural Association of Young Farmers (Asaja). As part of the procedure, the CNMC conducted inspections at the headquarters of Talleres Villalvilla, S. L. on September 26 and 27, 2023, and at the headquarters of Agroferba, S. L. on June 18 and 19, 2024.
Investigated Practices
The CNMC is analyzing the following conducts:
- Agroferba, S. L. and Talleres Villalvilla, S. L.: Possible client allocation in the agricultural machinery distribution market based on responsibility zones.
- Agroferba, S. L. and Ecotractor del Sur, S. L.: Possible client allocation, information exchanges, and/or price fixing in the same sector.
Timeframe and Consequences
The opening of the sanctioning proceedings does not prejudge the final outcome of the investigation. The CNMC has a maximum period of 24 months to resolve the case and determine whether violations of competition law have occurred.
The CNMC will continue its work of monitoring and ensuring the proper functioning of markets, safeguarding free competition, and protecting consumers in the agricultural machinery distribution sector.
