Spain: Regulator probes Art Installation services market

Spanish competition watchdog CNMC has launched an investigation into possible unfair practices among companies in the art and gallery installation services sector, including transportation, installation and production for artistic venues. Several companies in this business were subjected to surprise inspection visits in the past week.

Raids and visits were conducted on June 22 and 23, targeting companies that specialize in providing transportation, installation and production services for works of art and related objects coming to and from Spain. Authorities have been led to suspect possible unfair business practices, banned by the country’s Competition Laws. These may include price-fixing, dividing customers and exchanging confidential information.

The raids were carried out by Competition Authority agents, aided by local competition agencies in the provinces affected. Price-fixing and other similar agreements between competitors is considered a very serious violation of competition law, punishable with up to 10% of total sales volume for the previous year, as well as possible penalties on individuals directly involved in the alleged violation.

Full Content: CNMC

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