bpostgroup SA/NV

In February 2026, the Belgian Competition Authority held bpost, DPG Media, Mediahuis and PPP liable for manipulating the public tender for Belgium's 2023-2027 newspaper distribution concession. The authority found that the parties agreed that bpost competitor PPP would not submit an offer in exchange for additional newspaper-distribution volumes, leaving bpost as the only bidder and eliminating competition. The companies acknowledged participation and accepted a settlement. bpost itself received full immunity from a fine under the leniency programme because it revealed the underlying facts to the authority. The case is therefore recorded as a proven competition infringement without falsely stating that bpost paid part of the €11.898 million combined fines imposed on the other parties. Source: Belgian Competition Authority https://www.belgiancompetition.be/en/about-us/actualities/press-release-no-6-2026