Amsterdam Court Orders Heineken to Pay €111 Million to Greek Competitor

The Amsterdam District Court has ordered Heineken to pay €111 million to Macedonian Thrace Brewery (MTB) following a competition case related to the Greek market, as reported by Just Drinks.

The court ruled that Heineken and Athenian Brewery are bound by the outcome of the 2015 Greek antitrust decision, which concluded that there was an abuse of a dominant position.

Heineken stated that the judgment amount consists of €43 million in compensation and €68 million in statutory interest, adding that an appeal is the appropriate legal step. Conversely, MTB considers the ruling to be final.

The case brings back into focus the issue of compensation for anti-competitive practices in the Greek beer market, as the claim is based on a prior regulatory decision issued over a decade ago.

What Do These Terms Mean?

Abuse of Dominant Position: A powerful company exploiting its market position to restrict competitors or impose unfair conditions.

Statutory Interest: Interest imposed by law on overdue amounts, added to the principal compensation.

Appeal: A request to review a judicial ruling before a higher court, which may stay or modify the execution of the ruling.

Damages: Sums paid by a company to another party as compensation for harm proven by the court.