"Chatel" Law: A new deal for producers & distributors - Some legal and economic points of view

Abstract : The law of 3 January 2008 for the development of competition for the benefit of consumers, known as the Chatel Law, continues the reform of the relationship between suppliers and distributors which was begun by the Dutreil Law of 2 August 2005. The adoption of a new, lowered threshold for resale at a loss and the introduction of a "unique contract" should change the behavior of operators. But this law already appears to be a transitional law which calls for other steps in the more or less near term, for changes in the legislation applicable to vertical relationships in order to simplify and intensify competition.