Der Spiegel, the German news magazine, reports that the country’s competition authorities are investigating the selective distribution policies of some sports brands that refuse to sell their products through generalist, discount-oriented retailers such as Amazon and eBay. Confirming that it has received complaints from certain retailers, the Bundeskartellamt has said that it has opened such an investigation against Asics, which wants to protect its image and its price levels. The German anti-trust body does not exclude that a similar procedure may be initiated against Adidas, which recently announced that will no longer supply those internet retailers. Reportedly, Nike is also planning to revise its policies toward these types of retailers.

by SGI Europe on Jun 27, 2012 • 17:00 ( through Ispo newsblog)