D.C. attorney general broadens Amazon lawsuit
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Washington, D.C., has broadened its antitrust lawsuit in the direction of Amazon to drawback the online retailer’s agreements with wholesalers along with third-party sellers, metropolis Attorney General Karl Racine’s office said on Monday.
The metropolis sued Amazon in May alleging its requirements barred third-party sellers from selling elsewhere for decrease than on Amazon. Amazon’s prices embrace fees, which are as a lot as 40 p.c of the general worth.
The new grievance accommodates allegations that Amazon has agreements with wholesalers that guarantee it a minimal income. As a consequence, the grievance alleges, if Amazon lowers a price to compete with one different on-line vendor, the wholesaler ought to pay Amazon the excellence between the worth it sells at and the agreed minimal. These funds are a disincentive for wholesalers to lower prices to compete, the grievance said.
Amazon, which filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit …