The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has launched an investigation into a major international software supplier operating in the business market, following suspicions that the company may be abusing its dominant market position to the detriment of customers.
The alleged abuse relates to the pricing of certain software products and the terms and conditions imposed on customers in the Netherlands. The ACM is examining whether these practices result in customers paying excessive prices or facing unfair contractual terms, potentially restricting competition in the market.
Under Dutch competition law, companies with a dominant position may not exploit their market power to act independently of customers or competitors in ways that harm competition. Prohibited practices can include charging unreasonably high prices or imposing unfair conditions, which can increase costs for businesses, limit consumer choice, and reduce incentives for innovation.
The ACM has conducted an initial company inspection and requested relevant information as part of the ongoing investigation. The authority will determine whether competition rules have been violated and, if so, provide the company with the opportunity to respond in a fair hearing before any potential sanctions are imposed.
