Weko opens investigation against SDA
On February 22, 2012, the Competition Commission (Comco) opened an investigation against the Swiss Dispatch Agency (SDA). The preliminary investigation has revealed indications of improper conduct on the part of SDA.
The investigation will show whether SDA abused its possible dominant position by hindering competitors, the Weko said in a statement. The preliminary investigation found evidence that SDA's pricing system was designed to weaken competitors, force them out of the market and at the same time prevent other news agencies from entering the Swiss market, it said. In particular, the Weko is investigating the circumstances that led to the discontinuation of the business activities of SDA's competitor AP Schweiz as of February 2010. In this context, SDA's discount policy with the granting of exclusivity discounts, as well as the tying of offers, are of particular interest. In addition, the investigation will examine whether the pricing system also disadvantaged or disadvantaged customers.
SDA remains calm
The management of the SDA assures the Weko of its full support, according to a report by the dispatch agency. It had already provided all the requested information on time during the preliminary investigation and granted full transparency. As a national news agency owned by the Swiss media, the equal treatment of all media and a transparent tariff system are very important to it. This must enable the production of three equivalent services in German, French and Italian at the same prices, irrespective of the respective market size. SDA did not believe that it had violated the Cartel Act with its pricing and discount policy or that it had exploited a possible dominant position in the market, since the customers controlled the agency through the Board of Directors.
