Competition regulator

A competition authority, also known as antitrust, antitrust or competition authorities, is an active regulatory authority with the task of combating the negative effects of concentrations of power in markets. The legal basis for the activities of the competition authority is the antitrust law. Appropriate authorities exist in almost all countries with market-based economy. From the competition authority to distinguish the existing in various sectors of the economy -specific regulators.

Cause of the creation of competition authorities is the idea that concentrations of power as a form of market failure to economically inefficient allocation of resources, as well as undesirable distribution effects can result.

The duties and powers of the competition authorities are often very similar regulated in different countries: A competition authority can usually prohibit under certain conditions, cartels, mergers and abuses of dominant position and impose fines.

Competition authorities of several countries share their experiences in organizations such as the European competition authority, the European Competition Network, the International Competition Network and the OECD.

• Antitrust
• Economic authority