Exclusive Distribution and the EEC Competition Rules

This is a revised commentary on the EC regulations which set out circumstances under which an exclusivity clause in a distributorship contract can automatically escape the prohibitions of EC antitrust law. The edition contains an introduction to the economic issues and concepts which form the basis both for the businessman's contract choices and for the courts' scrutiny and control of those choices. It also contains an analysis of the law relating to exclusive dealing based on Article 85 EEC in the absence of block exemptions. The Regulations 1983/83 and 1984/83 are examined in detail and cross-referenced to the guidelines which the EC Commission has issued to explain how it intends to apply the regulations. Throughout the text, the authors not only analyze and interpret the text of the regulations, but they also explain the economic issues and commercial choices involved.