The revised EC policy on the application of competition law to vertical agreements is an important developments in EC anti-trust. The block exemption regulation, which came into effect on 1 June 2000, and the accompanying policy changes are crucially important for companies doing business in the European Union. Whichever route a business chooses to get its products to market, it needs to understand the impact of the EC rules. This title provides a comprehensive and practical commentary on the changed rules. It contains the full text of the block exemption regulation, accompanying guidelines and other relevant Commission notices. Issues covered include: background to EC competition law and its application to vertical agreements; in-depth analysis of the provisions of the block exemption regulation; examination of how the rules apply to exclusive distribution; and selective distribution, franchising and agency agreements.

The Guide to Franchising first published in 1970 is a comprehensive guide to all aspects of franchising not only is it a valuable introduction to this growing area of business for those who are unfamiliar with franchising, and answers the fundamental questions: why franchise your business? Why take up a franchise? What can be franchised? The book also functions as a practical guide for those already involved in franchising. It examines how to become a franchisor or franchisee and the relationship between the two parties. The seventh edition has been substantially revised and updated to reflect recent experience and developments in the field. The book is very comprehensive and includes international development and examples of franchise specific regulation from around the world.