On 1 March 2013, the powers of the Austrian Federal Competition Authority (Bundeswettbewerbsbehörde, BWB) were substantially strengthened with respect to requests for information and house searches. In the last two years, the BWB carried out a number of house searches on its own initiative.

Some of these searches led to high administrative fines. Most of the house searches came about as the result of information from insiders and concerned a wide variety of business sectors. It is difficult to predict where the next such search will take place. However, it can be expected that the BWB will continue to pursue these activities unabatedly in 2013. Companies that are not involved in a cartel can also be confronted with requests for information and house searches.

What has to be done, according to the new legal provisions, if a request for information is received from the BWB? What is the best form of conduct during a house search? What needs to be kept in mind if documents are to be viewed or confiscated?

Our early bird seminar gives you a first overview of these new investigative powers of the BWB and the specific consequences for your company.

Speaker:
Raoul Hoffer, Partner
Johannes Barbist, Partner
Isabelle Innerhofer, Counsel