Brussels, 06/08/2001 (Agence Europe) - The Efta Surveillance Authority published guidelines end-June on "vertical restraints" which correspond to similar guidelines previously issued by the European Commission (see EUROPE of 26 May 2000, p.15). The measures adopted by Efta complement the block exemption applicable to "vertical agreements" (i.e. agreements relating to the sale or purchase of goods or services between companies operating at different levels of the production or distribution chain), in force in the EEA since 1 June 2000. The reform mainly concerns industrial supply agreements, exclusive and selective distribution agreements and franchising agreements. It allows for greater freedom to contract, especially for small and medium-sized companies and generally for companies without market power. The companies that will be able to benefit from the new system must have a market share below 30%, Efta stipulates.