Competition Authority takes Nettbil case to Supreme Court: “The acquisition would weaken competition”

In 2020, Schibsted acquired Nettbil, an online auction platform for used cars sold from private individuals to car dealers.

In November of the same year, the Norwegian Competition Authority concluded that the acquisition weakened competition in the used car market because Schibsted also owns Finn – and decided that Schibsted had to sell its shares in Nettbil.

The Competition Tribunal upheld the decision in 2021, and Schibsted subsequently took the case to the Court of Appeal.

In March, the Gulating Court of Appeal ruled in the case and upheld Schibsted’s decision, annulling the Competition Tribunal’s decision.

Taking the case to the Supreme Court

However, the Norwegian Competition Authority has now decided to appeal the verdict of the Gulating Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court.

“The Authority decided in November 2020 that the acquisition would weaken competition in the market for online sales of used cars and result in poorer services for consumers. 

“The Competition Tribunal upheld the decision in May 2021. The Gulating Court of Appeal repealed the decision of the Competition Tribunal in March this year,” Karin Stakkestad Laastad, Legal Director at the Norwegian Competition Authority, told Norway Today via e-mail.

Now, it is up to the Supreme Court to consider whether the case should be admitted.

Robin-Ivan Capar is a contributor and editor at Norway Today.

Source: #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayNews

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