Beiersdorf is facing a probe by authorities in Switzerland over pricing practices around its Nivea brand.
The Swiss Competition Commission (COMCO) has said it will investigate a complaint that the personal care giant charges more for stocking Nivea products at Swiss retailer Migros compared to retailers in other countries.
COMCO will investigate the claim and whether this violates anti-trust laws.
As part of the investigation, the competition authority will examine whether Beiersdorf has “relative market power” over Migros, it said in a statement.
“If so, it must be examined whether Beiersdorf is abusing this position by demanding higher prices from Migros for the same Nivea products than those charged to comparable retailers abroad,” COMCO added.
New rules were introduced in Switzerland in 2022 focussing on relative market power.
A company is considered to have relative market power on the market if other companies are dependent on it for supply or demand of a good or service to such an extent that there are no sufficient and reasonable alternative options, COMCO explained.
Beiersdorf said in a statement it cannot understand and does not agree with the allegations and will support COMCO to help clarify the facts.
It added that compliance with legal regulations, in particular antitrust regulations, is a top priority for Beiersdorf.
Beiersdorf said: “On June 24, 2025, the Swiss Competition Commission initiated an investigation against Beiersdorf after Migros filed a complaint.
“The subject of this complaint is an alleged abuse against Migros of an alleged relative market power.
“Beiersdorf cannot not understand and does not agree with these allegations and will support COMCO to help clarify the facts.
“Compliance with legal regulations, in particular antitrust regulations, is a top priority for Beiersdorf.
“Please understand that we are unable to comment in detail at this stage as the proceedings are ongoing.”