The Autorité de la concurrence has opened an investigation ex officio into potential practices in the sector of pay TV and the acquisition and broadcast of cinematographic works

By decision 24-SO-10 of 25 September 2024, the Autorité de la concurrence opened an investigation ex officio into potential practices in the sector of pay TV and the acquisition and broadcast of cinematographic works.

The start of ex officio proceedings opens a phase of the investigation, at the end of which the Investigation Services may notify objections to the companies or associations of companies concerned or advise the Board not to pursue the case.

The decision to open an investigation ex officio does not prejudge the guilt of any company or association of companies. If objections are eventually notified, only an inter partes investigation, respecting the rights of defence of the parties concerned, would enable the Board to determine, after exchanging written observations and following an oral hearing, whether the objections are well-founded.

The Autorité de la concurrence will not comment further, either on the suspected practices or on the identity of the companies or associations of companies potentially concerned.