German Cartel Office Approves Press Distribution Reform
Germany's Federal Cartel Office has concluded its review of press distribution reform plans, approving the establishment of a central wholesale entity.
The Federal Cartel Office (Bundeskartellamt) has completed its antitrust review of reform plans for the press distribution sector, initiated by the "Fit-For-Future" working group. Following several adjustments to the initial proposal, the authority has now approved the plan and sees no further need for action.
The core of the reform involves the establishment of a Press Wholesale Alliance (Presse-Grosso-Allianz, PGA). This new entity is set to act as the central wholesale distributor for press products in Germany, managing both the purchasing and sales of publications, and organizing logistics through regional system partners. This consolidates the current structure of 13 regional wholesalers.
According to the Federal Cartel Office, the reform focused on two main aspects: non-discriminatory access for all publishers and ensuring the nationwide availability of press products. Andreas Mundt, President of the Federal Cartel Office, emphasized the necessity of fair access for every publisher and the continued availability of press products across the country, including in less populated areas.
The authority also stressed the importance of greater inclusion for smaller publishers. To safeguard this, the plans include opportunities for publisher participation, an independent clearing office for complaints, and a publisher-independent body for assortment compilation. Furthermore, conditions for the distribution of press products are to remain stable until the end of 2030.