The Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) of Russia has opened a case against Microlife AG, a Swiss manufacturer and supplier of blood pressure monitors. The fact was reported by the FAS press service.
The Antimonopoly Service found that the manufacturing company had been controlling retail prices for blood pressure monitors by establishing a minimum permitted price, which the wholesale buyers were obliged to respect. Wholesale buyers then resold the devices to pharmacies, marketplaces, and other retailers at prices not lower than the coordinated amount.
“As a result of such actions, competition between retailers had become non-existent. This led to the establishment and maintenance of fixed prices for blood pressure monitors,” the press service explained.
If found guilty of violating the antimonopoly laws, the company may face a fine of up to 5 million rubles in accordance with the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation.