Romania’s Competition Council has sanctioned 82 companies in the local paint market, with fines totaling EUR 2.7 million, following agreements among them in settling the selling prices.

Four paint producers and their distributors agreed to set up the products’ selling prices and to split the distribution markets among them between 2004 and 2010. Some distribution contracts had provisions which restricted sales in other areas than the ones agreed with the producers.

The Competition Council investigated the relationships between producers and their own distribution networks.

Paint producer Policolor received the highest fine of EUR 340,000, followed by Deutek with EUR 112,000, Swarco Vicas with EUR 35,000, and National Paints Factories Company with EUR 23,000. Their distributors were fined with EUR 2.13 million.

editor@romania-insider.com