Vergina – Carslberg: They are seeking compensation of 478 million euros from Heineken

By George Lampiris

Another episode is written in the multi-year development of the case of abuse of a dominant position by the Athenian Brewery, for which a fine of 31.4 million euros was imposed by the Competition Commission. The latest development now concerns the claim for a fine of 478 million euros by the two competing Athenian companies in the Greek market, Carlsberg (Olympic Brewery) and the Brewery of Macedonia Thrace (Vergina).

The two companies have taken the matter to court, claiming the specific amounts. It will be recalled that the fine of 31.4 million euros imposed in 2014 on the Athenian Brewery for abuse of a dominant position, was the highest so far imposed on a company by the Commission.

Heineken: The outcome of the case cannot be assessed with certainty

According to Heineken, through its financial statements, “this case does not allow us to assess with certainty its outcome, including, indicatively, the fact that the Athenian Brewery appealed against the fine imposed by the Greek Commission. Competition is pending before the Hellenic Council of State “.

In addition, Heineken argues that the uncertainty of the outcome of this claim by its competitors is uncertain, as it raises the question “whether the Dutch courts can assume international jurisdiction over these claims, in so far as they are submitted against the Athenian Brewery, as the relevant court appeal is pending before the Supreme Court of the Netherlands “.

The multinational states that there is another key point related to the outcome of the case and puts in uncertainty its development. According to her, this is due to the fact that the Athenian Brewery and Heineken have moved to safeguard their interests both for procedural reasons and in substance. “Therefore, the amount of these potential liabilities (if any) cannot be measured with sufficient reliability,” adds Heineken.