antitrust2 articles
HP India Hit With £14 Million Fine for Bid-Rigging Printer Supplies and PCs
India's Competition Commission (CCI) has fined HP India and its reseller partners approximately $14.4 million (1.4 billion rupees) for colluding to rig bids on government contracts and fix prices on printers, ink cartridges, and toner between 2017 and 2020. WhatsApp records revealed that HP India played a central role in coordinating with resellers on bid rigging, price fixing, and customer allocation, though HP disputed being characterised as the "kingpin" of the arrangement. The CCI ordered HP and its partners to cease anti-competitive conduct and complete compliance training within 60 days; HP has not publicly commented on the ruling.
Twelve States Sue to Kill the Paramount-WBD Merger the Trump Administration Waved Through
Twelve states, led by California, have filed a lawsuit to block the $111 billion merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery, which was approved by the Trump administration in June. The states argue the deal violates antitrust law by concentrating too much control over theatrical film distribution and basic cable programming, which they say will lead to higher prices and less content for consumers. The lawsuit also raises concerns about the Trump administration's approval process, with reports suggesting Paramount received political favour in exchange for concessions including a settlement over a 60 Minutes segment and promises of changes at CNN.