EU investigates Philips' price arrangements

The European Commission launched an investigation into alleged price deals electronics manufacturer Philips made with several online sellers. Several other parties are also involved in the investigation.

Benefit from border-free product availability

Not only Philips, but also Asus, Denon & Marantz and Pioneer are under investigation, as confirmed by European Commissioner for Competition, Margrethe Vestager. She says the investigation will make it clear “whether specific practices make it impossible for online consumers to take advantage of a border-free product availability to buy consumer electronics, video games and hotel arrangements at competitive prices.”

Vestager is also responsible for the 13 billion euro fine Apple recently received for its deal with the Irish government. She also recently repeated Apple will be required to pay the fine after it had missed a first deadline. The Irish government was furious when the fine was given, because it feared several other deals it had would also be in danger. The American government on the other hand feels Vestager is targeting American companies specifically.