ACC Bank / Leinster Branch IRFU Sponsorship Agreement [1998] IECA 497 (1st April, 1998)

ACC Bank / Leinster Branch IRFU Sponsorship Agreement [1998] IECA 497 (1st April, 1998)

The notified sponsorship agreement, given its limited duration, scope, and the availability of alternative sponsorship opportunities, does not prevent, restrict, or distort competition in the relevant market. The exclusive rights granted do not offend Section 4(1) of the Competition Act, 1991.

Citation
[1998] IECA 497
Parties
Notifier/party to Agreement: ACC Bank plc; Party to Agreement: Leinster Branch of the IRFU
Jurisdiction
Ireland
Procedural Posture
Competition Authority Notification / Decision on Notification for Certificate Under Section 4(4) of the Competition Act, 1991
Outcome
Certificate issued; agreement does not offend Section 4(1) of the Competition Act, 1991.
Legal Topics
Sponsorship Agreements, Exclusive Advertising Rights, Market Definition, Competition Act 1991
Competition Law Sponsorship Agreements Exclusive Advertising Rights Market Definition Competition Act 1991

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Parties

ACC Bank plc

Notifier/party to Agreement

Leinster Branch of the IRFU

Party to Agreement

Procedural Posture

Competition Authority Notification / Decision on Notification for Certificate Under Section 4(4) of the Competition Act, 1991

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the sponsorship agreement between ACC Bank and Leinster IRFU has as its object or effect the prevention, restriction or distortion of competition under Section 4(1) of the Competition Act, 1991.

Ratio Decidendi

The notified sponsorship agreement, given its limited duration, scope, and the availability of alternative sponsorship opportunities, does not prevent, restrict, or distort competition in the relevant market. The exclusive rights granted do not offend Section 4(1) of the Competition Act, 1991.

Court Disposition

Certificate issued; agreement does not offend Section 4(1) of the Competition Act, 1991.

Orders

  • The Competition Authority certifies that the Sponsorship Agreement between ACC Bank plc and the Leinster Branch of the IRFU does not offend against Section 4(1) of the Competition Act.