Madrigall is one of the most important French publishing groups. It includes around fifteen publishing houses including Gallimard and Flammarion and recognized editorial brands. It publishes many award-winning authors and bestsellers. Swiss booksellers have so far purchased Madrigall's books through official channels. Payot, one of the main bookstores in Romandie, wanted to obtain supplies directly from France. But to do this, Madrigall demands much higher prices from Payot than those usual in France.
Payot does not have sufficient and reasonable alternative sources of supply. Giving up on Madrigall book sales is also not a realistic option. Payot is thus dependent on Madrigall. In this context, the Competition Commission judges the purchase prices proposed by Madrigall to Payot to be abusive, according to its press release dated November 21.
On the basis of the new provisions on relative market power, the origin of which dates back to the fair prices initiative aimed at combating the Swiss island of high prices, COMCO requires Madrigall to allow Payot to obtain supplies directly under the usual conditions in France. The decision of the COMCO can be appealed to the Federal Administrative Court.
France
