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Swiss Regulators Probe Beiersdorf Over Alleged Nivea Price Discrimination

By  |  June 25, 2025

Swiss antitrust regulators have launched a formal investigation into German consumer goods company Beiersdorf, amid concerns that it may be exploiting its market position to impose unfavorable pricing on Swiss retailer Migros.

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    According to a statement released on Tuesday by the Swiss Competition Commission (COMCO), the inquiry centers on whether Beiersdorf, which owns the Nivea skincare brand, is using its “relative market power” to charge Migros higher prices than those offered to comparable retailers abroad.

    COMCO noted that the probe will examine the nature of the business relationship between Beiersdorf and Migros to determine if the German company holds a dominant position in the market. If such dominance is established, the next step will be to assess whether Beiersdorf is abusing that position by imposing discriminatory pricing terms on the Swiss retailer.

    Per the statement, Beiersdorf is suspected of denying Migros access to Nivea products under pricing conditions equivalent to those available in other markets. “If so, it will investigate whether Beiersdorf is abusing this position by charging Migros higher prices for the same Nivea products than comparable retailers abroad,” COMCO stated.

    In response, Beiersdorf issued its own statement indicating that it was unable to comprehend the accusations but pledged full cooperation with the investigation. The company emphasized that adherence to legal standards, particularly in relation to antitrust law, remains a top priority.

    Source: Business Of Fashion