Nike, Sanrio, Universal Studios face EU probe over sale terms

[June 14, 2017]  By Foo Yun Chee

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - U.S. sports goods maker Nike, Comcast's Universal Studios and Hello Kitty owner Sanrio found themselves in EU antitrust regulators' crosshairs on Wednesday over the way they control the sale of products in the bloc.

The European Commission said it would investigate whether the companies were illegally blocking traders from selling licensed merchandise across borders and online in the 28-country bloc.

The crackdown by the EU competition authority followed an inquiry into e-commerce practices by some 1,900 companies in Europe, part of a strategy to boost online trade and economic growth.

"We are going to examine whether the licensing and distribution practices of these three companies may be denying consumers access to wider choice and better deals in the

single market," European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a statement.

The logo of Nike (NKE) is seen in Los Angeles, California, United States, April 12, 2016. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson/File Photo

Nike is the license rights holder for Barcelona soccer club merchandise, while Sanrio owns the Hello Kitty brand, which emblazons items ranging from stationery to clothing. Universal Studios hold the rights for movies such as Minions and Despicable Me.

The Commission launched an investigation in February into online sales of consumer electronics makers, video game makers and hotels.

Last week it announced a probe into U.S. clothing company Guess' <GES.N> cross-border distribution deals. Companies can face fines up to 10 percent of their global turnover if found guilty of breaking EU antitrust rules.

(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; editing by Philip Blenkinsop)

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