The European Commission has fined Delivery Hero and Glovo, two major delivery companies, a total of €329 million for their participation in a cartel. The companies had agreements not to poach each others employees, exchanged sensitive information, and divided geographic markets. This cartel affected the European Economic Area (EEA) and lasted four years. Such cartels limit consumer choice, reduce opportunities for employees, and decrease competitive incentives.

Both companies admitted involvement and agreed to a settlement. This is the first time the Commission identifies a labor market cartel and sanctions the anti-competitive use of a minority stake in a competitor.

Delivery Hero and Glovo are major players in the European delivery market, involved in delivering food, groceries, and other products. From July 2018 to July 2022, they progressively removed competitive pressure between them through layered anti-competitive coordination.

The fines were set according to the Commissions 2006 guidelines, considering the cartels nature, duration, and scope within the EEA. A standard 10% reduction was applied as both companies acknowledged their participation.