SUPREME ADMINISTRATIVE COURT REFUSED TO REOPEN AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE ACTIONS OF MAXIMA LT AND MANTINGA

The Supreme Administrative Court of Lithuania (Court) refused to reopen an investigation into the actions of UAB Maxima Lt and UAB Mantinga. The Court upheld the Council’s decision on a 10-year-long anti-competitive agreement between the companies.

The ruling of the Court is final and not subject to appeal.

In 2014 the Council found that UAB Maxima Lt and UAB Mantinga agreed to refrain from selling bread and other bakery products produced by UAB Mantinga in UAB Maxima Lt shops below the base price. The agreement on resale price maintenance might have resulted in higher prices for consumers.

After the final ruling of the Court in 2016, UAB Maxima Lt paid a fine of EUR 13 666 216 and EUR 1 082 095 of interest, while UAB Mantinga – a fine of EUR 2 151 417 and EUR 192 569 of interest.

In 2010-2016 the Council found 23 anti-competitive agreements.