Expert advice in dispute on tyre price fixing

Genesis was commissioned to provide expert advice to a leading tyre manufacturer in a Competition Commission investigation into trade arrangements made through a subsidiary with a tyre dealer located in Gauteng.

The tyre dealer had alleged that the tyre manufacturer and its subsidiary were involved in price fixing, market division, market allocation and collusive tendering. It also claimed that the manufacturer was engaged in the practice of minimum resale price maintenance in respect of certain branded tyres.

The project team provided expert advice regarding the nature of the complaint, as well as guidance with regard to the framework for calculating possible penalties against the tyre manufacturer during both the investigation phase and pre-trial proceedings.

The matter was settled between the Competition Commission and the tyre manufacturer before going to trial.