Polish Antitrust Experience with Hub-and-Spoke Conspiracies

Keywords

hub-and-spoke, AtoBtoC coordination, exchange of information, vertical restraints, RPM, horizontal effect, standard of proof, duration of an agreement, initiator

Abstract

A hub-and-spoke conspiracy involves an exchange of confidential information primarily concerning future prices. The exchange takes place generally between competing distributors via a common supplier but a reverse relationship is also possible. The essence of hub-and-spoke lies in the fact that there is no direct contact between competitors – the party guaranteeing the information flow is normally the common supplier (distributor in a reverse scenario). A hub-and-spoke conspiracy was first identified and specifically described by the British Office of Fair Trade in 2003. There are currently several pending investigations concerning hub-and-spoke practices in a number of EU Member States including Germany, France, Italy and the UK. Three cases of that type have been so far assessed in the Polish antitrust practice: Polifarb Cieszyn Wrocław (2007), Tikurilla (2010) and Akzo Nobel (2010). The main objective of this article is the reconstruction of hub-and-spoke conduct in Poland. Commented will also be issues such as: the connection between hub-and-spoke practices and ‘classic’ retail price maintenance; standard of proof, and duration of the agreements.

Recommended Citation

Bolecki, A. (2011). Polish Antitrust Experience with Hub-and-Spoke Conspiracies. Yearbook of Antitrust and Regulatory Studies, 4(5), 25-46. Retrieved from https://press.wz.uw.edu.pl/yars/vol4/iss5/2