CMA
fines musical instrument makers for resale price maintenance
The
Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has fined Roland (U.K.) Limited £4
million for infringing Article 101 TFEU/Chapter I of the Competition Act 1998
by engaging in resale price maintenance (RPM) in the supply of electronic drums.
In
a separate infringement decision, it has fined Korg (UK) Limited £1.5 million
for RPM in the supply of synthesizers and hi-tech equipment.
The
CMA issued a statement of objections to the retailer GAK and Yamaha Music
Europe alleging RPM. Yamaha will receive
full immunity while GAK has settled with the CMA and agreed to pay a maximum
fine of £278,945.
The
CMA has also published an open letter to suppliers and retailers in the musical
instruments sector as part of its initiatives to crack down on infringements in
the sector. The guidance builds on case
studies and experience in other investigations involving Fender and Casio. The CMA has also developed an online pricing
tool to help it detect online unlawful pricing activity.
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