Calls for tender for the production and supply of plasma-derived medicinal products to the healthcare system: investigation initiated on a suspected collusion between Kedrion and Grifols
PRESS RELEASE
In its meeting of 10 January 2018, the Italian Competition Authority (“ICA”) resolved to initiate investigation on possible anti-competitive conduct carried out by Kedrion S.p.A. and Grifols Italia S.p.A. during their associated participation as a RTI (Raggruppamento Temporaneo di Imprese, temporary joint venture) in a tender for domestic donor blood collection services, production of plasma-derived medicinal products and supply thereof to the healthcare system.
The tender was called by the Intercent-ER agency on behalf of a grouping of regions and awarded to the Kedrion-Grifols RTI in September 2017.
The investigation will verify whether and to what extent the relationship between Kedrion and Grifols, starting from the RTI established to participate in the tender, is due to a collusion contrary to the principles of competition.
The investigation was initiated pursuant to Art. 2 of Law no 287/1990 and/or Art. 101 of the TFEU based on complaints by two other companies taking part in the tender (Baxter-Shire and CSL Behring) and must be completed by 31 December 2018.
The companies were notified of the initiation of the investigation during inspections carried out by the ICA in collaboration with the Special Antitrust Unit of Guardia di Finanza.
Rome, 19 January 2018