Czech antitrust regulator confirms 280 million CZK in fines for meal voucher cartel

The Czech Office for the Protection of Competition (ÚOHS) has confirmed final fines totaling 280 million CZK against meal voucher companies Edenred, Pluxee (formerly Sodexo), and Up. The decision follows a long-standing cartel investigation involving the coordination of business terms with retail chains regarding the maximum number of vouchers allowed per single purchase.

The anti-competitive behavior occurred between 2004 and 2018, violating both Czech and European Union competition laws. The specific fines are 132.27 million CZK for Pluxee, 101.9 million CZK for Edenred, and 44.9 million CZK for Up.

ÚOHS Chairman Petr Mlsna rejected the companies' objections that the sanctions were excessive, stating that an adequate punishment is necessary for such prolonged anti-competitive conduct. While the companies have filed lawsuits with the Regional Court in Brno, the legal challenges do not delay the obligation to pay the fines.