• UOKiK initiated proceedings against the sports equipment distributor - Spokey.
• Since at least 2010, Spokey could set minimum prices at which its partners sold roller skates and scooters.
• This could mean that consumers were not able to buy products at prices lower than those imposed by Spokey.

Spokey company sells rollers and scooters (including electric scooters) under its name. The office's findings show that the entrepreneur could impose minimum retail prices on its distributors, at which they sold sports equipment to consumers via online stores and on auction sites.

 - We conducted a search at the company's headquarters and found information that may indicate an unlawful agreement that has lasted since at least 2010. Spokey could also monitor compliance with agreed prices and use a rebate system to discipline sellers who wanted to sell cheaper - says Marek Niechiał, president of UOKiK.

What's more, the distributors themselves made sure that none of them sold at lower prices than agreed. They reported such cases directly to Spokey. One of the entrepreneurs writes straight in the email found during the search: Why the prices were set, as the following companies sell at lower prices than our retail prices.

- If the allegations are confirmed, it will mean that, for many years, the consumers paid more for Spokey brand equipment than they would have if the shops were free to set prices. I remind you that fixing minimum prices or resale prices for entrepreneurs operating at different levels of trade, e.g. manufacturer, wholesaler or distributor-seller, is prohibited - says Michał Holeksa, vice president of UOKiK.

There is a penalty of up to 10% of turnover for participating in an agreement restricting competition.

Severe sanctions can be avoided thanks to the leniency program. It gives entrepreneurs and managers who participate in an illegal collusion a chance to become a "crown witness". It allows to reduce the fine or avoid it entirely. The program can be used provided that the entrepreneur gives evidence or information regarding the existence of an illegal collusion and cooperates with UOKiK. Entrepreneurs and managers interested in the leniency program are invited to contact the office. Under a special telephone number 22 55 60 555 UOKiK's lawyers answer all questions regarding leniency applications, also anonymous ones.

If you know about an illegal collusion in your former or current company, notify UOKiK. The Office runs a program of obtaining information from anonymous whistle-blowers. Access https://konkurencja.uokik.gov.pl/sygnalista/ and use the simple form. The system we use guarantees that your identity will not be disclosed.

Additional information for the media:

UOKiK Press Office
Pl. Powstańców Warszawy 1, 00-950 Warszawa, Poland
Phone +48 695 902 088, +48 22 55 60 246
E-mail: biuroprasowe@uokik.gov.pl
Twitter: @UOKiKgovPL