AGCM

According to the Authority, in some cases the companies may have used supplies from laboratories employing workers who would receive inadequate wages. In addition, they would work hours in excess of the legal limits and in inadequate health and safety conditions, in contrast to the boasted levels of production excellence.

The Italian Competition Authority, also as a result of the activity carried out by the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Court of Milan which has been widely published by the press, has opened investigation proceedings against some companies in Armani Group (Giorgio Armani S.p.A. e G.A. Operations S.p.A.), and separate investigation proceedings against some companies in Dior Group (Christian Dior Couture S.A., Christian Dior Italia S.r.l. e Manufactures Dior S.r.l.) for possible unlawful conducts in the promotion and sale of clothes’ items and accessories, in violation of the provisions of the Consumer Code.

In both cases, the companies may have issued untrue statements about their ethics and social responsibility, in particular with regard to working conditions and compliance with the law by their suppliers.

Moreover, the companies emphasised craftsmanship and quality. However, in order to make certain articles and clothing accessories the companies allegedly used supplies from workshops and factories employing workers who would receive inadequate wages. In addition, such workers would work hours in excess of the legal limits and in inadequate health and safety conditions, in contrast to the production excellence levels the companies pride themselves.

Yesterday, Authority’s officials, with the support of the Special Antitrust Unit of the Italian Financial Police (Guardia di Finanza), carried out inspections at the premises of the companies Giorgio Armani S.p.A. and G.A. Operations S.p.A. as well as Christian Dior Italia S.r.l.

Rome, 17 July 2024