National Competition Commission Brings Disciplinary Proceedings Against Various Companies for Anti-Competitive Practices Including Hoarding of Infomercial Time Slots

3 March 2010

On February 10, 2010, the Investigations Division of the National Competition Commission (known by the Spanish acronym CNC) agreed to bring disciplinary proceedings against the companies El Corte Inglés, S.A., Publieci Televisión, S.A., Canal Club de distribución de ocio y cultura, S.A., Sogecable, S.A. Gestevisión Telecinco, S.A., Publimedia Gestión, S.A. and Veo Televisión, S.A. based on a series of alleged behaviours classed under Art 1 and 2 of Spanish Competition Act 15/2007 as potentially restrictive, concretely collusion and abuse of a dominant market position.

The opening of the proceedings was prompted by the filing of a formal complaint with the CNC Investigation Directorate against El Corte Inglés, S.A. as well as its affiliates.

In its press release, the CNC reported on the existence of anti-competition undertakings by the aforementioned companies which could contribute, either directly or indirectly, to El Corte Inglés, S.A.’s unfair share of the infomercial time slots and the consequent limitations on competitors’ entrance and expansion in the market.

Now that the proceedings have been opened, the CNC has up to 18 months to investigate the case and issue a ruling from its council.

For further information please contact Ángel Aldasoro: [email protected]