GBAF Logo
Finance

Swatch and Citizen face Italian scrutiny over pricing practices

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on December 9, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 20, 2026

Add as preferred source on Google
Swatch and Citizen face Italian scrutiny over pricing practices
retail trade compliance Competition retailers
Global Banking & Finance Awards 2026 — Call for Entries

MILAN, Dec 9 (Reuters) - The Italian competition authority said on Tuesday it had opened two investigations into Swiss watchmaker Swatch and Japan's Citizen Watch. The probes involve an alleged

Swatch and Citizen Investigated for Pricing Practices in Italy

MILAN, ‌Dec 9 (Reuters) - The Italian ‍competition authority ‌said on Tuesday it had ⁠opened two ‌investigations into Swiss watchmaker Swatch and Japan's Citizen Watch.

The probes ⁠involve an alleged infringement of European rules ​on the fixing of ‌retail prices displayed ⁠online by the groups' authorised distributors. 

The two companies may be ​limiting price competition among their retailers through a vertical agreement, by imposing retail prices ​on ‍their distributors ​and adopting "retaliatory commercial measures" against those that fail to comply, the antitrust authority said in a statement. 

The agency's officials carried ⁠out inspections at the Italian offices of Swatch ​and Citizen on December 3.

Swatch and Citizen did not immediately respond to ‌a request for comment. 

(Reporting by Gianluca Semeraro, editing by Gavin Jones)

Key Takeaways

  • Italian authority investigates Swatch and Citizen for pricing practices.
  • Probes focus on alleged infringement of European retail price rules.
  • Companies may be limiting competition via vertical agreements.
  • Inspections conducted at Swatch and Citizen Italian offices.
  • Swatch and Citizen have not yet commented on the investigations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is retail pricing?
Retail pricing refers to the final price at which a product is sold to consumers. It is influenced by various factors, including production costs, competition, and market demand.
What is compliance in business?
Compliance in business refers to the process of adhering to laws, regulations, and guidelines relevant to the company's operations. It ensures that businesses operate within legal frameworks.
What is competition in retail?
Competition in retail refers to the rivalry among businesses to attract customers and increase sales. It can drive innovation, improve customer service, and influence pricing strategies.
What are pricing practices?
Pricing practices are strategies used by businesses to set the prices of their products or services. These can include cost-plus pricing, competitive pricing, and value-based pricing.
What is an investigation in business?
An investigation in business typically involves a formal inquiry into a company's practices or operations to ensure compliance with laws and regulations, often conducted by regulatory authorities.

Tags

Related Articles

Image for Trump tells Fox News Iran can call US if it wants to negotiate

Trump tells Fox News Iran can call US if it wants to negotiate

Image for Australia's Wong to visit Japan, China, South Korea to discuss energy security

Australia's Wong to visit Japan, China, South Korea to discuss energy security

Image for Hungary's Magyar to meet EU's von der ​Leyen for talks on EU funds this week

Hungary's Magyar to meet EU's von der ​Leyen for talks on EU funds this week

Image for Switzerland angers Italy by claiming costs of treating Crans-Montana fire victims

Switzerland angers Italy by claiming costs of treating Crans-Montana fire victims

Image for Russian defence minister visits North Korea

Russian defence minister visits North Korea

Image for Fertiliser plant in Russia's Vologda region damaged in Ukrainian drone attack, governor says

Fertiliser plant in Russia's Vologda region damaged in Ukrainian drone attack, governor says

More from Finance

Explore more articles in the Finance category

Image for Close Brothers will not take legal action against Britain's car finance redress scheme, Sky News reports
Close Brothers will not take legal action against Britain's car finance redress scheme, Sky News reports
Image for Germany's far-right AfD rises to record 28%, INSA poll shows
Germany's far-right AfD rises to record 28%, INSA poll shows
Image for German government suspects Russia of Signal attack targeting politicians, sources say
German government suspects Russia of Signal attack targeting politicians, sources say
Image for Romania finds parts of second drone after overnight Russian attack on Ukraine
Romania finds parts of second drone after overnight Russian attack on Ukraine
Image for China condemns EU's inclusion of Chinese entities in sanctions package against Russia
China condemns EU's inclusion of Chinese entities in sanctions package against Russia
Image for Russian parliament speaker in North Korea to mark Pyongyang's troop deployment in Ukraine war
Russian parliament speaker in North Korea to mark Pyongyang's troop deployment in Ukraine war
Image for Macron reaffirms efforts to reopen Strait of Hormuz, as TotalEnergies warns of energy shortages
Macron reaffirms efforts to reopen Strait of Hormuz, as TotalEnergies warns of energy shortages
Image for France's Macron says EU mutual assistance clause is unambiguous
France's Macron says EU mutual assistance clause is unambiguous
Image for US to let Venezuela pay Maduro's lawyer in drug trafficking case
US to let Venezuela pay Maduro's lawyer in drug trafficking case
Image for Italy votes down equal parental leave while fathers redefine their role online
Italy votes down equal parental leave while fathers redefine their role online
Image for German auto industry faces even tougher competition as China economy slows
German auto industry faces even tougher competition as China economy slows
Image for Romania says drone fragments damage property during overnight Russian attack on Ukraine
Romania says drone fragments damage property during overnight Russian attack on Ukraine
View All Finance Posts