CCI raids global ad firms, broadcasters over price collusion
New Delhi: India’s antitrust regulator Competition Commission of India (CCI) has raided the offices of several global advertising firms, including GroupM, Dentsu, and Interpublic Group, along with a broadcasters' industry association, over alleged price collusion, Reuters reported on Tuesday.
According to one source, the searched approximately 10 locations after launching a case against these media agencies and top broadcasters for allegedly fixing ad rates and discounts.
Three other sources confirmed the names of the raided entities, with operations taking place in Mumbai, New Delhi, and Gurugram.
Reuters was the first to report on the enforcement action and details of the antitrust case.
Spokespersons for GroupM, Interpublic’s IPG Mediabrands unit, and Dentsu did not respond to requests for comment.
Similarly, the Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation and the CCI did not provide any statements.
The Competition Commission typically does not disclose enforcement actions or cases involving price collusion.
WPP-owned GroupM is the world’s largest media buying agency.
The Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF) represents major domestic broadcasters, including the Reliance-Disney joint venture, Sony, and Zee Entertainment.
Reuters was the first to report this enforcement action and the details of the antitrust probe.
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