The Maltese Competition Authority condemns a company for illicit anti-competitive behaviour and abuse of dominance in the cigarette market (Austria Tabak / Central Cigarette Company)

In terms of Article 13A of Maltese Competition Act (Chapter 379 of Laws of Malta [1], hereinafter referred to as ‘MCA'), the Director of the Office for Fair Trading (hereinafter referred to as ‘Director') requested the Commission for Fair Trading (hereinafter referred to as ‘Commission') to review its decision to issue a Compliance Order against Central Cigarette Company Limited following a finding of anti-competitive collusive behaviour and abuse of dominance within the market of cigarette sales through automatic vending machines in Saint Julians and Paceville, Malta. Original Complaint Complainant Austrial Tabak (Malta) Limited filed a complaint with the Director against Central Cigarette Company Limited (hereinafter referred to as ‘CCCL') alleging that (i) the latter had concluded