- विज्ञापन -
New Delhi: The Competition Commission of India has raided the offices of several global advertising giants, including GroupM, Dentsu, and Interpublic Group, along with a broadcaster’s industry group, in connection with an alleged price-fixing scheme, according to sources with direct knowlegde of the matter.
The CCI initiated the investigation and carried out searches at approximately 10 locations across Mumbai, New Delhi, and Gurugram. The raids are focused on uncovering evidence related to allegations of these agencies and top broadcasters colluding to fix advertisement rates and discounts, the sources revealed.
GroupM owned by WPP and the world’s largest media buying agency as well as Dentsu and Interpublic’s IPG Mediabrands unit, were among the companies targeted in the raids. The Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation, which represents major domestic broadcasters, including Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance-Disney joint venture and Sony and Zee Entertainment, was also part of the investigation.
Spokespersons for GroupM, Dentsu, and Interpublic declined to comment on the raids. Similarly, the Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation and the Competition Commission of India did not provide any official response. The CCi typically does not make public the specifics of its enforcement actions.
The enforcement action marks a significant move by India’s anitrust body as it investigates the practices of major international media agencies and broadcasters operating within the country. This investigation highlights growing scrutiny of pricing practices within the media and advertising industry.
