The investigation relates to a suspected resale price maintenance (RPM) arrangement between a manufacturer, a distributor, and multiple retailers operating in Ireland

RPM occurs when a supplier seeks to control the price at which a product is resold, potentially restricting competition and harming consumers. 

As part of its investigation, the CCPC conducted an unannounced inspection at the premises of an Irish-based distributor in June 2025.

In collaboration with the German competition authority, the Bundeskartellamt, an unannounced inspection was also carried out at the premises of a manufacturer located in Germany in November 2025. CCPC authorised officers supported the Bundeskartellamt during this operation.

In addition, the CCPC has issued formal requests for information to several retailers active in Ireland.

The investigation is being carried out under the CCPC’s new competition law enforcement powers, which came into effect in September 2023.

Under the CCPC’s new administrative enforcement regime, independent adjudication officers of the CCPC may impose financial sanctions on a business which has been found to have breached competition law.

It also operates an administrative lenience programme under which businesses may get immunity from, or reductions in, fines if they reveal their involvement in resale price maintenance and fully cooperate with a CCPC investigation.

“As the investigation is ongoing, no further details are available at this time,” the CCPC said.