The Antitrust Authority, following the opening of an investigation procedure and subsequent sub-procedure, has adopted interim measures against the Sixthcontinent Europe S.r.l., which sells cards (Shopping Cards) that allow consumers to purchase products and services offered at discounted prices and entitle them to a series of benefits in terms of discounts, points and other perks.

The evidence gathered, obtained from numerous reports and inspection documentation, showed that Sixthcontinent had blocked a large number of consumer accounts and/or delayed and hindered the use of a significant volume of already purchased Shopping Cards.

The Authority has therefore issued interim measures, ordering Sixthcontinent to: a) suspend the blocking of accounts, in the absence of a precise indication of the reasons, with simultaneous reimbursement of the amount paid and the consideration for the other benefits accrued -; b) refrain from any activity aimed at preventing or limiting the use of the already purchased Shopping Cards in accordance with the activation and use methods originally envisaged.

The company will have to submit, within ten days, a detailed report on the measures adopted in order to implement the interim measures.

The investigation shall be closed by 1 May 2020.

Rome, 26 February 2020