This investigation highlights secret agreements between industry giants and distributors, harming consumers by distorting competition.
Secret deals and harsh sanctions
The household appliance giants are said to have exchanged confidential information and fixed prices with traders. These anti-competitive practices have led to significant financial sanctions, with some companies having already set aside considerable sums.
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Whirlpool, for example, has set aside €62.5 million, while Miele, Haier, BSH and Smeg have also set aside significant amounts. Even distributors like Fnac Darty are not spared, having set aside 85 million euros.
A difficult context for the industry
These sanctions come at a delicate time for the household appliance industry. A former sector executive confided that the market has been difficult for a year, with margins already quite low. The fines, calculated as a percentage of the turnover of the products concerned, could worsen this situation.
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Some actors, like Seb, dispute the accusations against them, while others plan to appeal. However, companies must pay the fines while awaiting the final decision, a process that can take years.
| ???? | Summary of the case |
|---|---|
| ???? | Financial sanctions exceeding 280 million euros |
| ???? | Secret price agreements between manufacturers and traders |
| ⚖️ | Possibility of appeal but with prior payment of fines |
| ???? | Impact on margins and consumer confidence |
A worrying precedent
This case is reminiscent of that of 2018, where six household appliance giants were fined 189 million euros for concerted price increases. This time, distributors are also involved, amplifying the impact of the sanctions.
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The investigation has been exhaustive, including searches of almost all of the companies cited and recent hearings. The ADLC sends a clear message: agreements, whether horizontal or vertical, will not be tolerated.
The implications for the sector
The impact of these revelations could be considerable, affecting not only companies’ finances but also their brand image. Consumers, already wary after the 2018 affair, could lose even more confidence.
Sanctioned companies could pass on the cost of fines to prices, risking further alienating consumers. Others may fundamentally review their business practices to avoid future sanctions.
- The sanctions amount to several million euros, affecting manufacturers and distributors.
- Anti-competitive practices reveal secret price agreements.
- The appliance sector may see other industries re-evaluate their business practices.
How will consumers react to these revealed practices and the potential impact on prices?
