Antitrust Law

An antitrust law is a law which aims to prevent companies from forming market monopolies or entering into agreements to fix prices. In Switzerland, antitrust laws are enforced by the Competition Commission (German: Wettbewerbskommission, French: Commission de la concurrence. The cartel law (German: Kartellgesetz, French: Loi sur les cartels) forms the basis of Swiss anti-trust law.

Antitrust laws aim to maintain free trade and to protect consumers by preventing unfair methods of competition and unfair practices by companies. Acquisitions and mergers which could result in monopoly-type companies may be disrupted by antitrust law enforcers. When companies engage in acts which limit the availability of competing goods or services to consumers, antitrust law enforcers may intervene to prevent exploitation of consumers.