GCR - The New Vertical Restraints Regime

On 1 June 2010, a new Vertical Agreements Block Exemption will come into force, as revised Vertical Restraints Guidelines. The process leading to the adoption of new texts has been highly contentious and has taken much longer than expected. As a result, the new rules will enter into effect almost immediately. It is therefore important for the legal and business communities to understand the practical consequences of the changes reflected in the new rules without delay. The need is particularly acute as these are the competition law texts of most practical importance to business on a day-to-day basis.

As part of this reform, the motor vehicle sector is also set to become subject to the same rules on vertical agreements as other sectors, although they will be supplemented by a specific block exemption and guidelines. Notably, the new Motor Vehicle Guidelines will interpret and expand on the provisions of the Vertical Agreements Block Exemption and Vertical Restraints Guidelines, addressing issues of importance to all sectors.

GCR has arranged this conference to examine in depth the new block exemptions and guidelines.

Sean-Paul Brankin will be speaking on Resale Price Maintenance.