A spokesperson for the French police has confirmed that the country’s law enforcement are working with the European Union in an ongoing investigation into possible violations by European luxury companies.
The probe by EU antitrust regulators has already seen raids on multiple companies in the fashion sector across multiple EU countries.
While authorities have declined to name the companies or specify the potential violations, Reuters last week reported that Gucci’s Milan headquarters were inspected by Italian tax police and EU antitrust officials.
Sources cited by Reuters claimed that the inspection was aimed at possible violations of the EU's Article 101, which prohibits agreements that restrict, prevent or distort competition within the bloc.
Gucci’s parent company Kerring confirmed the inspection and said that it was fully cooperating with the investigators. It remains to be seen whether investigators are just looking into Gucci, or Kerring’s other brands such as Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, and Balenciaga.
The French police spokesperson did not say whether local companies had been targeted, in this latest move, saying “we’re in an ongoing investigation.”
France holds a prestigious place in the luxury goods world. It is home to the investigated Kerring, along with Louis Vuitton owner LVMH, Chanel, Hermès and others.
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