Law of Cartels

This text sets out the legal principles governing cartels and the consequences of cartel-like behaviour. It also offers practical advice for both lawyers advising companies and company directors, such as guidance on dealing with cartel investigations by the competition authorities.

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The law relating to cartels has been radically changed by the Enterprise Act 2002, which came into force on 20 June 2003. Cartel participation has been criminalised and directors involved in cartels can now be disqualified for periods of up to 15 years. At the EC level, record levels of fines are being imposed on cartelists. It is increasingly evident that the detection and punishment of price-fixing, market-sharing and collusive tendering is the number one priority for both the EC and UK competition authorities. Law of Cartels is solely dedicated to this important area of competition law. It clearly sets out the legal principles governing cartels and the consequences of cartel-like behaviour. It also offers practical advice for both lawyers advising companies and company directors, such as guidance on dealing with cartel investigations by the competition authorities; guidance on implementing compliance programmes to reduce the risk of cartel activity taking place; and guidance on the options open to companies accused of being involved in cartels. With a foreword by Sir Christopher Bellamy, President of the Competition Appeal Tribunal