Kilpailuvirastot

Kilpailuvirastot, or competition authorities, are governmental or independent bodies responsible for enforcing competition law and promoting a competitive marketplace. Their primary function is to prevent and address anti-competitive practices that could harm consumers and businesses. This includes investigating cartels, abuses of dominant market positions, and anti-competitive mergers and acquisitions.

These agencies typically have the power to conduct investigations, issue legally binding decisions, impose fines, and order remedies such as divestiture of assets. Their work is crucial for ensuring fair competition, which can lead to lower prices, higher quality products and services, and greater innovation. Competition authorities operate at national, regional (like the European Union), and international levels.

The specific mandates and powers of kilpailuvirastot vary by jurisdiction, but their overarching goal remains the same: to safeguard the competitive process. They often work in cooperation with other regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies. Public awareness and advocacy are also part of their role, aiming to educate businesses and consumers about competition law and its importance.