Ticketmaste Uk

Ticketmaster UK to Face Investigation Over Ticket-Selling Practices

Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) Announces Probe into Alleged Anti-Competitive Behavior

CMA Investigating Allegations of Unfair Pricing, Limited Competition, and Abuse of Market Power

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into Ticketmaster UK, the dominant ticket-selling platform in the United Kingdom. The CMA is investigating allegations of anti-competitive practices, including unfair pricing, limited competition, and abuse of market power.

The investigation follows a complaint from the FanFair Alliance, a group representing live music fans. The FanFair Alliance alleges that Ticketmaster's practices are harming consumers and stifling competition in the UK ticket market.

The CMA will investigate whether Ticketmaster has breached competition law by engaging in anti-competitive practices. The CMA will also consider whether Ticketmaster's practices have resulted in higher prices for consumers and reduced choice in the ticket market.

The CMA's investigation is expected to take several months. If the CMA finds that Ticketmaster has breached competition law, it could take enforcement action, which could include fines, divestment of assets, or changes to Ticketmaster's business practices.

Key Allegations Against Ticketmaster UK

• Unfair pricing: Ticketmaster allegedly uses its market power to charge inflated prices for tickets.
• Limited competition: Ticketmaster allegedly makes it difficult for other ticket-selling platforms to compete in the UK market.
• Abuse of market power: Ticketmaster allegedly uses its market power to favor its own affiliated businesses and harm competitors.

CMA's Investigation Process

1. The CMA will gather evidence from Ticketmaster, its competitors, and consumers.
2. The CMA will analyze the evidence to determine whether Ticketmaster has breached competition law.
3. If the CMA finds that Ticketmaster has breached competition law, it could take enforcement action.

Potential Outcomes of the Investigation

• Fines: The CMA could fine Ticketmaster up to 10% of its annual turnover.
• Divestment of assets: The CMA could require Ticketmaster to sell some of its assets to reduce its market power.
• Changes to business practices: The CMA could order Ticketmaster to change its business practices to make the UK ticket market more competitive.

Conclusion

The CMA's investigation into Ticketmaster UK is a significant development in the UK ticket market. The investigation could lead to changes in the way that Ticketmaster operates and could benefit consumers and promote competition in the UK ticket market.