EC investigates CD pricing

The European Commission has closed an investigation into CD prices after five major music companies changed their marketing practises.

The Commission began probing allegations that Bertelsmann, EMI, Sony, Universal and Warner manipulated retail prices through co-operative advertising deals with retailers.

The CD pricing investigation is separate from a probe the Commission has begun into the marketing of DVDs across the EU.

The EC is concerned that DVDs are restricted regionally, preventing European consumers from benefitting from a broader choice of titles and lower prices.