The Netherlands - Green light for the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets

The Netherlands Consumer Authority, the Netherlands Competition Authority (NMa) and the Netherlands Independent Post and Telecommunication Authority (OPTA) are delighted that the Dutch Senate approved their merger, thereby creating the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM). The new regulator will officially be launched on 1 April, 2013.

Chris Fonteijn, the Chairman designate of the Board of the ACM, reacts: 'By merging our organizations, we bring together the best of three worlds, allowing us to increase the effectiveness of our oversight. We are delighted to start on April 1'. Mr. Fonteijn will be joined by Mr. Henk Don and Ms. Anita Vegter on the Board of the ACM.

In October 2012, the Dutch House of Representatives passed the bill establishing the ACM. Next to this establishment bill, another bill is currently being prepared, which proposes to simplify and streamline the existing procedures and powers of the ACM merger authorities.

On April 2, the ACM will launch its website: www.acm.nl. Starting that day, the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets can be reached ar +31-70-722-2000 and by email at info@acm.nl. The ACM will hold a press conference on Thursday, April 11 at 10 a.m. at its office in The Hague, unveiling its plans for the future.

For more information, please contact the NMa press officer: Ms. Barbara van der Rest-Roestat +31-70-330-3362 or +31-6-22793063 (outside office hours). For questions regarding the legislative process, please contact Mr. Jeroen Beekman of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs at +31-70-379-6500 or +31-6-46152031 (outside the office hours).

If you would like to attend the press conference, please contact the NMA press office at pers@nma.nl.