John Lewis disputes OFT report

Following reports last month, John Lewis wants further investigations into the exclusive deals between PC retailers and manufacturers, despite Office of Fair Trading (OFT) findings that they are not anti-competitive.

The department store is concerned that an agreement signed between Dixons and PC manufacturers Compaq and Packard Bell, which gives Dixons exclusive rights to sell two of the most popular high street PCs, could put it at a disadvantage and lead to higher prices for consumers.

But in a recent announcement, the OFT found that the deal did not breach UK competition law. Its review of PC retailing, carried out last year, found it was competitive and that Dixons was not a dominant player in the PC market.

John Lewis is calling for the report to be published, because it believes no distinction has been made between high street and internet sales in the home PC market. It claims its own research contradicts the OFT's findings.

Representatives from John Lewis were set to put their case at the end of May.

Like this story? Spread the news by clicking below:

 del.icio.us     Digg this     reddit!