Suspected cases of anti-competitive behaviour are often complex and require an extensive investigation. Complainants can help to speed up the process by providing as much information as possible about the potentially anti-competitive practice, the parties involved and the effect that the practice has on the market.
Competition complaints are public information. The authorities therefore have a legal obligation to confirm the existence of a complaint and any associated documents to anyone who asks. This does not, however, mean that any business secrets contained in the documents would be disclosed.
In most cases, the identity of the complainant cannot be concealed either. The complainant’s identity can only be withheld for reasons such as to protect particularly important public or private interests. For example, keeping the element of surprise ahead of an inspection related to a cartel investigation could be a reason to conceal the existence of a complaint and the identity of the complainant at least during the early stages of the investigation.