Krogerus successfully advises Abloy in a lengthy investigation by competition authorities

Krogerus advised Abloy Ltd in an investigation by the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (FCCA) that ended on 14 March 2013 with a decision to terminate the proceedings with no further action to be taken. The unusually long and complex investigation began in the summer of 2006 with surprise inspections on the company’s premises by the FCCA.

Abloy is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of locks, locking systems and architectural hardware. It is part of the Assa Abloy Group, the global market leader in the lock products business.

Abloy was investigated for alleged abuse of dominant market position in several markets. The FCCA had various concerns about the authorisation system that Abloy uses for locksmith stores to distribute its products, as well as the marketing subsidies, discounts and project-specific prices granted to these stores in particular situations. After a series of negotiations, the FCA chose not to take action against Abloy in any of these matters.

The Krogerus team was led by partner Katri Joenpolvi. She was assisted by partner Petteri Metsä-Tokila, counsel Mikko Pirttilä and associate Simo Autio.