Recent cases

Cehave / Agrifirm
The EU & Competition practice group has successfully supervised a multibillion euro deal between the Cehave and Agrifirm cooperatives. On 6 May 2010 the NMa approved the proposed merger between the two cooperatives. The NMa ruled that the merger would not give rise to any competition objections. Cehave and Agrifirm are not required to discontinue any operations or to offer any remedies. The merger has been approved in its entirety.

Flour cartel
The EU & Competition practice group is advising and assisting various companies in an investigation by the NMa of alleged cartel formation in the flour sector. The investigation also involves other countries, including Germany and France. The outcome of the investigation is expected in the course of 2010.

Demolition cartel
The EU & Competition practice group is advising and assisting various companies in an investigation by the NMa into alleged cartel formation in the demolition sector. The NMa suspects that a number of demolition companies have made price-fixing agreements.

Sales under execution
In 2009 the NMa started an investigation into alleged cartel formation among property traders. The NMa has also issued a consultation document, whereby it hopes to increase its understanding of sales under execution and to further investigate possible restraint of trade structures and activities. The investigation is pending. The EU & Competition practice group is advising and assisting various property traders in this procedure.

Limburg construction industry fraud
In 2009 the NMa started an investigation into alleged cartel formation among a number of construction companies in the Dutch province of Limburg. The outcome of the investigation is expected in the course of 2010. The EU & Competition practice group is advising and assisting two former directors of one of the companies involved whom the NMa may regard as de facto directors. Since 1 October 2007 de facto directors can also be fined by the NMa up to a maximum of EUR 450,000.

Painters cartel
In 2009 the NMa investigated cartel formation in the painting industry. The EU & Competition practice group has assisted a number of companies involved in that investigation.

Window-cleaners cartel
The EU & Competition practice group is advising and assisting one of the companies involved in an investigation by the NMa into alleged cartel formation in the window-cleaning sector. The NMa suspects that a number of window cleaners are making mutual agreements and are allocating residential areas.