The Auditorate of the Belgian Competition Authority (ABC) is currently carrying out searches with companies active in the personal hygiene and retail sectors, and in particular at Kruidvat. According to the ABC, clues suggest that these companies may have engaged in unlawful understanding practices on prices.
The survey relates to products relating to the parapharmacy, perfumery and hygiene categories. The names of targeted companies have not been disclosed by authority.
A spokesperson for Kruidvat, the main player in the sector in Belgium, confirmed that a search had taken place in the premises of the company. However, it has provided no additional details. Kruidvat has more than 300 stores in Belgium.
The ABC specifies that the search constitutes “a preliminary step in the continuation of anti -competitive practices and does not prejudge in any way from the outcome of the current instruction”.
