A record year for the Competition Authority

Purpose:
The purpose of Benoît Cœuré’s 2025 New Year’s message is to reflect on the Autorité de la concurrence’s accomplishments in 2024, emphasizing its historic performance in terms of fines imposed and mergers examined. The message serves as a reminder of the authority’s commitment to enforcing competition laws and promoting economic growth.

Effects on Industry:
The €1.4 billion in fines imposed by the Autorité de la concurrence in 2024 will likely have significant effects on industries, companies, and consumers alike. Companies found guilty of anticompetitive practices may face substantial financial penalties, which could impact their ability to invest in research and development, expand operations, or pay dividends to shareholders. The increased scrutiny by the Autorité de la concurrence may also lead to more rigorous self-assessment and compliance within industries, potentially driving positive changes in business practices.

Relevant Stakeholders:
The following stakeholders are directly affected by the Autorité de la concurrence’s activities:

• Companies operating in France or with significant French interests
• Industry associations and trade organizations
• Consumers who rely on competitive markets for goods and services
• Investors and shareholders who may be impacted by companies’ financial performance

Next Steps:
To comply with the Autorité de la concurrence’s enforcement actions, companies should:

• Review their business practices to ensure compliance with competition laws
• Develop effective compliance programs to prevent anticompetitive behavior
• Engage with industry associations and trade organizations to promote best practices and share knowledge on competition law

Any Other Relevant Information:
The Autorité de la concurrence’s 2024 performance demonstrates its commitment to enforcing competition laws and promoting economic growth. As the authority continues to play a crucial role in shaping France’s competitive landscape, companies should remain vigilant and proactive in their compliance efforts to avoid any potential repercussions.