CMA sends objections to Casio alleging restrictions on online discounting
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has sent a statement of objections to Casio Electronics alleging breach of the Chapter I prohibition and Article 101 TFEU through restrictions on retailers’ freedom to discount digital keyboards and pianos sold online.
The CMA has provisionally found that Casio enforced a policy aimed at limiting the freedom of retailers to set their prices between 2013 and 2018 requiring them to set prices at, or above, a minimum price.
The CMA regards these practices as resale price maintenance (RPM) and states that it treats allegations of online RPM seriously.
The CMA also observes that Casio’s use of “all seeing software” that allowed it to find out more quickly about lower online prices can put pressure on retailers to adhere to a minimum price.
In the last three years, the CMA has fined business for online RPM in a number of sectors including light fittings, bathroom fittings and commercial refrigeration. Last year the CMA issued 19 warning and three advisory letters about RPM.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cma-alleges-piano-supplier-illegally-prevented-price-discounts
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