On June 9, 2023, following an in-depth investigation, the Commission approved Vivendi’s acquisition of Lagardère (the “Transaction”), subject to divestment conditions.[1]
Commission v. Luxembourg (C-457/21): Advocate General Kokott Sides with Amazon in State Aid Tax Ruling Case
On June 8, 2023, Advocate General Kokott delivered her opinion on the Commission’s appeal of the General Court’s judgment annulling the Commission’s decision finding that Luxembourg had granted unauthorized State aid to Amazon in the form of a tax advantage. [1] Advocate General Kokott’s opinion endorsed the recent Court of Justice’s findings in Fiat,[2] which confirmed that there is no EU-wide arm’s length principle that the Commission can use as a standard of review for Member States’ tax decisions under EU State aid rules. This opinion signals that the Fiat judgement will likely be the guide for ongoing and future tax ruling cases and investigations.
Commission Publishes DMA Compliance Report Template for Consultation
The French Competition Authority sanctions a French bakery-pastry equipment manufacturer and its distribution network for implementing vertical agreements
On April 25, 2023, the French Competition Authority (“FCA”) imposed a total fine of €2.95 million on Bongard and the members of its distribution network following a settlement procedure for their participation in two anticompetitive vertical agreements in the bakery and pastry equipment sector.[1]