EU drops antitrust probe into luxury watch makers

In 2011 the European Commission opened formal anti-trust proceedings to investigate an alleged refusal by several luxury watch manufacturers to supply spare parts to independent repairers, in breach of EU competition rules. The opening of proceedings follows a General Court judgment which annulled the Commission's decision to reject a complaint lodged by the European Confederation of Watch & Clock Repairers' Associations (CEAHR).

EurActiv reported that on the 29 July 2014, after a comprehensive investigation, the Commission concluded that there was limited likelihood of finding such an infringement in the case. The Commission had accordingly decided to close its antitrust probe.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Antitrust: Commission investigates luxury watch manufacturers http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-antitrust-commission-investigates-luxury-watch-manufacturers/

Website: European Confederation of Watch & Clock Repairer's Assocations http://www.ceahr.org/

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