Anti-competitive behaviour (GRI 206)

The prevention of anti-competitive behaviour is a matter of top priority for Geberit. Anti-competitive behaviour of any kind is categorically rejected. Anti-competitive behaviour has a significant impact on the market and on relationships with customers, suppliers and competitors. Negative consequences resulting from violations include obstructing the development of fair market structures, distorting competition, as well as a loss of trust and negative impacts on the fabric of society. Violations give rise to fundamental reputation risks that can cause lasting harm to the company’s public image, as well as to legal risks that can lead to heavy fines. Geberit focusses on being a trustworthy partner for customers, suppliers and stakeholders, and maintaining fair relationships with competitors.

Following on from the training courses already carried out last year, extensive additional general and topic-related courses for the in-depth teaching of knowledge relating to antitrust legislation were held in the reporting year in nine sales companies. The existing basic eLearning course was revised and modified according to the current legal situation. In addition, a new interactive, particularly practice-oriented eLearning course on antitrust legislation was developed and introduced.

An internal antitrust audit was carried out at four sales companies in 2023 to verify and further improve compliance in this area.

As part of numerous enquiries from the Geberit markets, Corporate Legal Services once again dealt with the permissibility of a wide range of marketing and sales activities under antitrust and competition law in the reporting year. The enquiries once again demonstrated a marked sensibility among the employees in the area of antitrust legislation.

Legal proceedings due to anti-competitive behaviour (GRI 206-1)

In the reporting year, there were no allegations, court action or fines arising from non-compliance with antitrust legislation.