Prof. Achim Wambach, Ph.D., new Chairman of the Monopolies Commission

Press Release, Bonn, 22 March 2016

The Monopolies Commission has unanimously elected Professor Achim Wambach as the new Chairman of the Monopolies Commission. Achim Wambach has been member of the Monopolies Commission since 1st July 2014. According to § 45 para. 1 sent. 2 of the German Act against Restraints of Competition, the Monopolies Commission elects a chair from among its members. The election of a new chair became necessary after the resignation of the previous Chairman, Professor Daniel Zimmer. Professor Zimmer had justified his decision with the ministerial authorization of the merger between Edeka and Kaiser’s Tengelmann.

Chairman of the Monopolies Commission resigns from his duties

Press Release, Bonn, 17 March 2016

The Chairman of the Monopolies Commission, Professor Dr. Daniel Zimmer, has resigned from his duties today by declaration to the Federal President. He justifies his decision by the ministerial authorization of the merger between Edeka and Kaiser’s Tengelmann.

The Monopolies Commission regrets sincerely Professor Zimmer’s decision. This decision marks a loss because Professor Zimmer advocated firmly for promoting competition principles in his role as Chairman. The Monopolies Commission is deeply grateful for his commitment. Professor Zimmer was a member of the Monopolies Commission for almost eight years. His Chairmanship started on 1st July 2012. During his membership, the Monopolies Commission submitted three Main Reports and 21 Special Reports. His Chairmanship was marked by the Monopolies Commission opinion concerning competition on financial markets in the 20th Main Report, and by the 68th Special Report on competition on digital markets. Professor Zimmer was also very much involved in preparing the Special Report which was part of the proceedings for ministerial authorization of the merger of Edeka and Kaiser’s Tengelmann.

Post 2015: Immediate reform of the legal and regulatory framework – Now!

Special Report pursuant to Sec. 44 of the Postal Law, Bonn, 7 December 2015

  • The Monopolies Commission finds stagnating competition in the postal sector – the dominant position of the Deutsche Post AG remains unchanged.
  • The Monopolies Commission calls for an immediate reform of the legal and regulatory framework and a full application of the existing regulatory framework.