Antitrust Scrutiny: Inside India's Advertising Cartel
A secretive operation involving global advertising agencies in India has come under the spotlight for alleged price rigging and collusion. This investigation by India's antitrust watchdog reveals clandestine efforts among major players to control market practices, negatively impacting competition and client interactions.
The world of Indian advertising is under intense scrutiny as a major investigation unveils allegations of price rigging and market manipulation by top advertising agencies. Antitrust investigators have revealed secret meetings and communications involving big names such as WPP, Omnicom, and Publicis, suggesting a coordinated effort to undermine competition.
The confidential dossier, reviewed by Reuters, highlights how agencies may have collaborated to fix pricing strategies and restrict competition, especially when poaching clients. With WhatsApp conversations among industry leaders as critical evidence, the probe brings to light potentially illegal agreements among these heavyweights.
The Competition Commission of India is currently leading the charge, investigating not only the agencies but also the involvement of industry groups in facilitating such practices. The ongoing probe is a reminder of the stringent regulations in place to maintain fair competition, as penalties loom for those found guilty.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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