A Czech Regional Court confirms a fine for the concerted practices of bakeries (Delta Pekárny / Odkolek / Penam)

On 21 October 2010, the Regional Court in Brno (the “Court”) confirmed a fine of almost CZK 53 M imposed on three Czech bakeries, DELTA PEKÁRNY, a.s., ODKOLEK, a.s. and PENAM, a.s. (the “Bakeries”). The fine was imposed by the Chairman of the Czech Competition Authority (the “Authority”) by his decision of 2 February 2009 (the “Chairman's Decision”) [1].The Chairman found that the Bakeries, by means of mutual contacts and information exchange, were coordinating a parallel increase in the prices of fresh bread and pastries and fresh and durable sweet pastry products during a period commencing on 18 September 2003 at the latest and continuing to at least 12 November 2003. Summary of the proceedings The decision is another part of the long saga relating to the Czech bakery cartel. The case