This book tackles the Vertical Block Exemption Regulation ("VBER"). The VBER 2022 is the new playbook in Europe for vertical agreements. Vertical agreements, i.e. between parties from different levels of the production or distribution chain, are ubiquitous in the EU economy. Vertical agreements which appreciably restrict competition are, in principle, void, and subject to fines. By exception, agreements may already fall outside the scope of competition law or may be exempt if their pro-competitive effects prevail. Whether they do or not requires an individual assessment of...

This book tackles the Vertical Block Exemption Regulation ("VBER"). The VBER 2022 is the new playbook in Europe for vertical agreements. Vertical agreements, i.e. between parties from different levels of the production or distribution chain, are ubiquitous in the EU economy. Vertical agreements which appreciably restrict competition are, in principle, void, and subject to fines. By exception, agreements may already fall outside the scope of competition law or may be exempt if their pro-competitive effects prevail. Whether they do or not requires an individual assessment of...