The Norwegian Competition Authority conducted unannounced inspections in the pharmacy market in May 2021. The investigation is now closed.
– After a thorough and specific assessment, the Authority has decided to close the case, says Beate Berrefjord, Director of the Norwegian Competition Authority.
The unannounced inspections were carried out in order to investigate suspicions of violations of the competition rules regarding the exchange of competitively sensitive information. Data material was seized during the inspections to confirm or refute the suspected illegal conduct. The Norwegian Competition Authority has not found grounds to continue the case as a criminal investigation.
– However, the Competition Authority will continue monitoring this market closely because it is a concentrated market with few players. An oligopoly consisting of players with a strong position in various parts of the value chains who are selling essential goods to consumers and society, is typically a market the Competition Authority will monitor closely, says Berrefjord.
More information on The Norwegian Competition Authority’s inspection.
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Beate Milford Berrefjord, Director of Department for Food, Trade, and Health
Press telephone: +47 47 66 77 77