Storebrand ber statsråden om møte: – Overrasket

Storebrand, a major player in the market for municipal service pensions, has expressed surprise over Minister of Industry Cecilie Myrseth's statement that municipalities and health organizations can directly purchase service pensions from the Norwegian Labour and Pension Fund (KLP) without competitive bidding. Grefstad, Storebrand's CEO, wrote a letter to Myrseth requesting a meeting to discuss the market for municipal service pensions.

He emphasized that Storebrand expects the government to create conditions for competition on equal terms, allowing KLP and Storebrand to compete for contracts. Storebrand is seeking a clear justification from Myrseth, stating that if the government truly aims to favor the dominant player as suggested in her response to the Storting, Storebrand should expect a clear political and legal basis for this decision.

Myrseth's comments on the matter were previously discussed in Stortinget, where Njåstad questioned the role of KLP in delivering pension services and the necessity of competition in this market. These questions remain unanswered. Storebrand also points to a recent decision by the Competition Authority, which found that KLP influenced municipalities by discouraging bids, potentially leading to higher costs for the municipalities.

While KLP has not been found in violation of antitrust laws, it has suggested measures to change its practices. Established in 1949, Storebrand offers service pensions to municipal employees and is not convinced that it has abused its dominant position. KLP's Chief Executive Officer, Sverre Thornes, stated that Tilsynet (the Competition Authority) is focused on ensuring fair competition in the public service pension market, and as a major player, KLP has a special responsibility.

The Competition Authority's decision came after a four-year investigation, including a raid in 2022. Storebrand Norway also filed a complaint with the European Commission's AntiTrust Division, alleging that KLP received illegal government subsidies and that municipalities and health organizations may have violated public procurement rules in some cases.

These cases are still under investigation. KLP denies the allegations and argues that antitrust law and regulations govern public procurement. The Competition Authority's decision differs from the antitrust law in that it focuses on procurement rules rather than competition rules. E24 has asked Myrseth's office via the Ministry of Industry about this matter.

A communications secretary responded that the government is committed to competition and compliance with regulations. The Competition Authority enforces antitrust laws, and its decisions must be followed. Tilsynet recently ruled that KLP must modify its practices in this market. In some cases, procurement rules now allow municipalities, counties, and health organizations to organize service pensions without bidding.

It is up to each company to make these decisions within the existing regulations. ESA continues to handle complaints related to this market, and final conclusions are expected. Storebrand has no comments on the case, according to Bjaanæs, who is responsible for information and community relations.