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Vertical agreements

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Introduction

Not only agreements between direct competitors (horizontal agreements) but also vertical agreements between undertakings acting at different levels of a production chain or a distribution chain, for example in the relationship of a supplier – a customer, have an anticompetitive effect.

More about vertical agreements

The prohibited agreements are specified in the Article 4 Paragraph 3 of the Act on Protection of Competition.

They include, for example, agreements on exclusive distribution or agreements, the conclusion of which is conditioned by adopting other commitments, which do not refer to the subject of these contracts by their nature or according to trading habits.

Not all vertical agreements are contrary to the Act on Protection of Competition, either because the impact on market is not significant or their positive effects outweigh their negatives.

Further information

Further information on vertical agreements can be found at Slovak version of the Office´s website.