The Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC) has launched an investigation into Rani Group and six major consumer goods companies for alleged anti-competitive behaviour.
“This investigation was initiated after small retailers lodged a complaint with the commission alleging that suppliers reserve stock for Rani Group, charge them higher prices, demand upfront payments and exclude them from discounts,” NaCC spokesperson Dina //Gowases announced on Tuesday.
The Rani group of companies owns and operates a chain of supermarkets in northern Namibia.
The six companies being investigated are Namib Mills, Bokomo Namibia, Coca-Cola Namibia Bottling Company, Distell Namibia, Namibia Breweries and Anheuser-Busch InBev Namibia.
The small retailers also allege that Rani Group opened retail outlets near their shops, forcing them to close their businesses.
The commission will investigate whether Rani Group and the six other companies breached the Competition Act, which protects against abuse of dominance and unfair trading conditions.
They have 30 days to respond to the commission.
“We are also calling on any party or any member of the public to approach the commission with any information they have with regard to the allegations that are on our table at the moment,” //Gowases said.
