Tue, 18 Nov 2025

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 Eight firms under investigation over online pricing

The Competition and Markets Authority is taking the action following a review of online pricing and sales practices.

* The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has opened investigations into eight companies, including StubHub, Viagogo, and driving schools.
* The cases involve practices such as mandatory additional charges, time-limited sales, and automatic opt-ins for services like installation or old appliance removal.
* The CMA is also writing to 100 businesses to outline its concerns about their use of additional fees and sales tactics.
* The companies being investigated are: + StubHub + Viagogo + AA Driving School + BSM Driving School + Gold's Gym + Wayfair + Appliances Direct (owned by Buy It Direct) + Marks Electrical
* The CMA has powers to fine companies up to 10% of global turnover and order businesses to pay compensation to affected customers.
* The investigations are looking at practices such as pressure selling, drip pricing, and misleading countdown clocks.
* The next updates in the investigations are due in March 2025.
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