The revised EC policy on the application of competition law to vertical agreements is one of the most important developments in EC anti-trust for many years. The block exemption regulation, which came into effect on 1 June 2000, and the accompanying policy changes are crucially important for companies doing business in the European Union. Whichever route a business chooses to get its products to market, it needs to understand the impact of the EC rules. This guide provides a comprehensive and practical commentary on the new rules. The work contains the full text of the block exemption regulation, accompanying guidelines and other relevant Commission notices. Issues covered include: background to EC competition law and its application to vertical agreements; in-depth analysis of the provisions of the block exemption regulation; examination of how the rules apply to exclusive distribution; and selective distribution, franchising and agency agreements. The authoritative and in-depth analysis of the guide will be invaluable to in-house counsel, business people and practitioners involved in or advising on the distribution of goods or services in the EU.

Providing a detailed and practical analysis of the entire scope of the law relating to vertical agreements, including the new general block exemption regulations and the Vertical Guidelines, this book is an indispensible tool for all practitioners active in the drafting or reviewing of vertical agreements.

New to this edition: --

Succinct and concise, this textbook covers all the procedural and substantive aspects of EU competition law. It explores primary and secondary law through the prism of ECJ case law. Abuse of a dominant position and merger control are discussed and a separate chapter on cartels ensures the student receives the broadest possible perspective on the subject. In addition, the book's consistent structure aids understanding: section summaries underline key principles, questions reinforce learning and essay discussion topics encourage further exploration. By setting out the economic principles which underpin the subject, the author allows the student to engage with the complexity of competition law with confidence. Integrated examples and an uncluttered writing style make this required reading for all students of the subject.

Competition Law and Policy in the EU --Article 101(1) --Article 101(3) --Market Definition --Cartels --Non-Covert Horizontal Cooperation --Vertical Agreements Affecting Distribution or Supply --Merger Control --Intellectual Property Rights --Article 102 --The Competition Rules and the Acts of Member States --Sectoral Regimes --Enforcement and Procedure --Fines for Substantive Infringements --The Enforcement of the Competition Rules by National Competition Authorities --Litigating Infringements in National Courts --State Aids.