The competition limitations in the cement sector under the light of the relevant decisions of the competition authority

In this study, the competition limitations in the cement sector of Turkey are examined under the light of fundamental concepts found in the competition law and the relevant decisions of the Competition Authority. First of all, brief information is provided on the features, domestic production and producers of the cement product and the competition medium is assessed in this context. Then, limiting the competition in the sector through prearranged relations in the sense of Article 4 of Law on Protecting Competition and the limiting effects on competition of the mergers and transfers taking place in the sector are examined. As a consequence of the prearranged relations such as agreements between the enterprises active in the cement sector, harmonized actions, decisions and actions of the enterprise corporations, it is possible to limit competition. In this context, the Competition Authority commenced some investigations with the purpose of protecting the competition medium in the sector and as a result of certain investigations heavy fines are decided on some enterprises active in the sector as manufacturers. In addition, as a consequence of mergers and transfers taking place between the enterprises active in the sector, it is possible to limit competition. Therefore, the Competition Authority has carried out many examinations on the mergers and transfers in the sector. As a result of the said examinations, sometimes these mergers and transfers were allowed, sometimes not allowed considering that they would limit competition at the end of relevant operations.