On Tuesday, 19 September, the European Commission announced that it was conducting unannounced inspections on the premises of a company that specialises in medical devices for cardiovascular applications. These inspections are motivated by the European Commission’s concerns that the company has engaged in anti-competitive practices prohibited by Community antitrust rules (Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU). These unannounced inspections are a preliminary step in the European Commission’s investigation into suspected anti-competitive practices but in no way prejudge the outcome of the investigations. The targeted company retains the right to be heard in the context of these proceedings. (EV)