antikonkurranseatferd

Antikonkurranseatferd, often translated as anti-competitive behavior, refers to actions taken by businesses that hinder or prevent competition in the market. These practices can distort the competitive landscape, potentially leading to higher prices, reduced choice, and less innovation for consumers.

Examples of antikonkurranseatferd include price-fixing, where competing firms agree to set prices at a certain level, and market sharing, where companies divide up markets amongst themselves. Abuse of a dominant market position is another form, where a company with significant market power uses its influence to disadvantage smaller competitors. This could involve predatory pricing, selling products below cost to drive rivals out of business, or exclusive dealing arrangements that prevent retailers from stocking products from competing firms. Cartels, which are secret agreements between competitors to control prices or output, are a particularly serious form of antikonkurranseatferd.

Competition authorities in many countries are tasked with investigating and prohibiting such behavior. Their aim is to ensure that markets remain open and competitive, benefiting both businesses and consumers. Violations of competition law can result in substantial fines and other penalties for the offending companies.