Schibsted does not have to be investigated for complaints – E24

Auto industry chiefs question the competence of Norway’s competition authority after being given the cold shoulder.

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During the four months of this winter, the Norwegian Competition Authority received three complaints from different car operators.

The first is the Norwegian Automobile Industry Association (NBF). and then The Norwegian Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMCF) is against Finn. In April, used car dealers subsequently complained Rebil enters the Nettbil auction platform.

Nettbil and Finn are HibsteadHibsteadThese companies belong to Schibsted Marketplaces and are traded on the Oslo Stock Exchange. -Companies. The complainants argue that the actions violate the Competition Act’s provisions on exploitation of a dominant position. But none of them need worry about coming under the Competition Authority’s radar any time soon.

In turn, the regulator has issued a notice that it will no longer process the complaint.

– We only received a lukewarm reception and a cold response, Olaf Olstad from NMCF told E24.

– Should have looked more closely

The decision was not what NBF CEO Stig Morten Nielsen had hoped for.

– This is absolutely disappointing.

– We had expected that the authorities would spend some time and resources when we registered with Finland as an industry association and several other organizations to assess whether there were any violations of competition rules.

The decision led Nielsen to question whether the Norwegian Competition Authority had the interest and expertise required in matters related to digital platforms. In 2022, they dropped their review of Finn’s new housing advertising pricing model.

– Anyway, they have received enough complaints now and should take a closer look. If it is due to lack of resources, they can ask for more money.

Nielsen believes that Finn’s behavior towards customers over the years was characterized by “their dominance of the market and exploitation of their quasi-monopoly position.”

The complaints were triggered by the sharp price increases by car dealers since the New Year.

In comments, Finn motor manager Jens Hauglum said they believed the Competition Authority had done a thorough job before reaching its conclusions.

– Finn does a great job fulfilling our primary mission for Norwegian car dealers, which is to reach a large audience for the cars they want to sell. Advertising effectiveness on FINN has increased by 42% over the past 10 years.

Throws

The background to Rebil’s complaint to the Norwegian Competition Authority is: Nettbil kicked them off the platform earlier this year.

Nettbil accused Rebil of staging a “coup”, which Rebil denied. They believed Nettbil was trying to limit market competition.

Co-founder Jonathan Parr wrote in a text message that Rebil took note of the Competition Authority’s rejection and that they would not determine which cases the agency chooses to consider.

– He added that Nate Beer’s actions are still a tragedy for price-sensitive car owners who are ready to sell their cars.

Nettbil CEO Sara Andrén-Johansen has previously objected to the premise of Rebil’s complaint, saying only 3.6% of all used car sales last year were sold through these channels.

Nettbil is therefore far from being dominant.

Do not call the police

Gjermund Nese, director of the Competition Authority’s department, said he understood it was disappointing that the complaint had been shelved.

– What we do in this case, as in all other cases, is to make a preliminary assessment. We then have to assess the likelihood that a crime was committed based on the probability that we can prove it and the resources required to do so.

He stressed that the fact that the case was stayed did not equate to the Norwegian Competition Authority providing a new report.

– This does not prevent the Norwegian Competition Authority from concluding later in another case that there has been an abuse of a dominant position.

Watch out Finn

Nese disagreed with NBF CEO Nilsen’s assertion that the Norwegian regulator has no interest or expertise in digital markets.

– We are very concerned about competition in the digital market and have imposed special disclosure obligations on Finn through Schibsted. This means that they have to report all acquisitions. We have also made some decisions.

Among them, Schibsted’s takeover of Nettbil was halted – until the Supreme Court overturned the decision.

– Are you worried about Finn’s size?

– The fact that Finn is so large means that the Norwegian Competition Authority is particularly aware of the role they play. It also means that they have a special responsibility not to violate competition law.

Schibsted Media, which owns E24, was separated from Schibsted Marketplaces in early June 2024. Certain journalists at E24 own shares in the listed Schibsted Marketplaces after joining the Schibsted Group employee stock savings plan.