EssilorLuxottica to Challenge French Competition Authority Decision
EssilorLuxottica announced it will appeal a French Competition Authority (FCA) decision that imposed an €81 million penalty on its subsidiary Essilor International.
EssilorLuxottica will challenge a decision by the French Competition Authority (FCA) that levied an €81 million penalty against its subsidiary, Essilor International. The penalty relates to a 2014 investigation into alleged discrimination against online retailers and the protection of brick-and-mortar stores concerning the distribution of certain prescription lenses.
The company stated that €15 million of the fine is to be borne jointly by its parent company, EssilorLuxottica. EssilorLuxottica firmly believes its practices were legal and beneficial to consumers, customers, and the wider industry by ensuring appropriate vision correction.
EssilorLuxottica disagrees with the FCA's findings and is confident it will successfully demonstrate the decision is unfounded. The company maintains that its distribution practices were compliant with the competitive and regulatory environment of the period.
The appeal process is now underway. The company contends its distribution conditions supported customers and partners while ensuring the delivery of necessary vision correction products.