Mexico’s antitrust authority will investigate Walmart de Mexico, the largest retailer in the country, for alleged monopolistic practices in a probe that has already lasted three years, the regulator said on Tuesday..
The investigation will be carried out by a specialized commission within the Federal Economic Competition Commission (COFECE). It will examine Walmart’s market share and distribution channels in order to determine if the company has engaged in anti-competitive behavior. Walmart de Mexico said in a statement that it would cooperate fully with the investigation and that it is confident that it has complied with all applicable laws and regulations. The company added that it is committed to fair competition and that it believes that the investigation will confirm its compliance..
The investigation comes after a three-year probe by COFECE into Walmart’s business practices in Mexico. The regulator has alleged that the company has used its dominant position in the market to engage in anti-competitive behavior, such as charging excessive prices and engaging in predatory pricing..
COFECE has also accused Walmart of using its market power to prevent other retailers from entering the market or expanding their businesses. The regulator has also said that the company has made it difficult for suppliers to sell their products to other retailers, thereby limiting competition..
If Walmart is found to have engaged in anti-competitive behavior, it could face fines and other penalties. The company could also be forced to change its business practices in order to comply with antitrust laws..
The investigation is the latest in a series of actions taken by COFECE against large companies in Mexico. In recent years, the regulator has investigated a number of companies, including telecommunications companies, banks, and food retailers, for alleged anti-competitive behavior..
The actions taken by COFECE are aimed at promoting competition in Mexico and preventing companies from abusing their dominant positions in the market. The regulator’s work is important for ensuring that consumers have access to a wide range of products and services at competitive prices..
