BackgroundUnannounced inspections are a preliminary investigative step into suspected anticompetitive practices. The fact that the Commission carries out such inspections does not mean that the company in question is guilty of anti-competitive behaviour, nor does it prejudge the outcome of the investigation itself. The Commission respects the rights of defence, in particular the right of companies to be heard in antitrust proceedings. The Commission has recently concluded two other antitrust investigations into anticompetitive disparagement in the pharmaceutical sector, in cases AT.40588 Teva Copaxone and AT.40577 Vifor. Source – EU Commission