Switzerland investigates Beiersdorf in dispute over Nivea pricing
The
Swiss competition authority
said on Tuesday it has opened an investigation into Beiersdorf over whether the German
consumer goods group
has
relative market power
over
Swiss retailer
Migros
in a dispute about the cost of its Nivea products.
In a statement, the authority known as
COMCO
said Beiersdorf is allegedly refusing to allow Migros to purchase Nivea brand products under the same conditions as abroad.
In the investigation, COMCO is analysing whether Beiersdorf has relative market power compared to Migros.
"If so, it will investigate whether Beiersdorf is abusing this position by charging Migros higher prices for the same Nivea products than comparable retailers abroad," it said.
Beiersdorf said it could not comprehend the allegations and would cooperate with COMCO to help clarify the matter.
Compliance with regulations and in particular antitrust law had top priority for Beiersdorf, the firm said in a statement.
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