Collusive Practices Inside a Business Network: The Case of Information Exchange
Business networks are systems of business cooperation integrating several firms that have at the same time cooperation and competition relationships, what makes them a relevant phenomenon for Competition Law. This paper analyses whether some agreements between network members may infringe Art. 101.1 TFEU, taking as an example one of the most important features of business networks – the information exchanges inside them. To this aim, it delimits the different kinds information exchanges taking place in horizontal or vertical networks, identifies the most relevant cases for Competition Law, and proposes an adequate assessment methodology that takes into account the existence and features of the network. The paper therefore concludes that competition law rules cannot be automatically applied when the cooperating companies belong to a business network, and that an accurate competitive analysis in these cases has to consider also the existence, aims, interests, and organizational and functional needs of the network
Information Exchanges Under EU Competition Law
The determination of the legitimacy or illegitimacy of exchanging consumer financial information under EU competition law finds its roots in a traditionally controversial and grey area of competition law enforcement. In addition, the financial services sector has been historically protected from the logics and application of competition law, which only relatively recently has featured importantly in the competition policies and law enforcement of the EU and its competent authorities.
Assessing the Competitiveness of the Philippine Auto Parts Industry
The development of the Philippine automotive parts and components sector is critical to the automotive assembly industry. The availability of competitive parts and components that are locally manufactured can significantly contribute to boost the competitiveness of the assembly sector. Given the current state of small and medium manufacturers, making them internationally competitive and linking them with regional production networks are major challenges. Less competitive firms will have to contend with reduced market shares and eventually bankruptcy. The few remaining competitive ones need to define their strategies and the market position that they want to pursue. The government has an important role to play in the firms adjustment process. While increasing economic integration represent market opportunities; penetrating the export market is not easy and does not come automatically. As the firms search for internal ways and exert effort to improve their competitiveness, this must be complemented with active government support.