Decisions on cartels, mergers and abusive practices are taken by a total of twelve Decision Divisions, which form the core of the Bundeskartellamt. The Decision Divisions are mainly organised according to sectors of the economy; two Decision Divisions deal exclusively with the cross-sector prosecution of cartels, whilst one Division, set up in January 2008, deals exclusively with the prosecution of abusive practices and cartels in the energy sector. In the Decision Divisions, each case is decided upon by a collegiate body consisting of the respective Division's chairman and two associate members. All decisions have to be majority decisions. The Decision Divisions are autonomous and not subject to instructions in their decision-taking.

The Special Unit for Combating Cartels assists the Decision Divisions in preparing, carrying out and analysing the results of search operations in cartel proceedings. It is also the contact partner for companies wishing to apply for leniency in cartel proceedings. Click here for further information on the Bundeskartellamt’s Leniency Programme.

The Public Procurement Tribunals are also located at the Bundeskartellamt. They provide legal protection for bidders in the award of public contracts falling within the Federal Government’s area of responsibility. Bidders, in particular those whose offers were not successful and who claim that the provisions governing the award of public contracts have been violated, file applications with the Tribunals for the initiation of review proceedings. In the Public Procurement Tribunals, each case is also principally decided upon by a collegiate body consisting of the respective tribunal’s chairperson and two associate members, one of whom works in an honorary capacity and the other on a full-time basis. In cases involving no major difficulties as to the facts or the legal issues concerned and where the decision will not be of fundamental importance, the decision may be assigned to the chairperson or the full-time associate member only. The members of a procurement tribunal are appointed for a term of office of five years. All decisions taken by the tribunals have to be majority decisions. The tribunals decide autonomously within the limits of the law and are not subject to instructions in their decision-making.

The Decision Divisions and Public Procurement Tribunals are assisted in their work by the General Policy Department, Litigation Department and Central Services Department.

The General Policy Department advises the Decision Divisions in specific competition law and economic issues, represents the Bundeskartellamt in the decision-making bodies of the European Union, is involved in law reforms at national and European level which have a bearing on competition, and coordinates cooperation between the Bundeskartellamt and foreign competition authorities as well as international organisations.

The Litigation Department advises the Bundeskartellamt on legal matters, prepares court appeal proceedings before the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court and represents the Bundeskartellamt before the Federal Court of Justice (Bundesgerichtshof) in Karlsruhe.

The Central Services Department is responsible for the internal administration of the Bundeskartellamt (in particular budget management, human resources etc.)