The Austrian competition authority, following a request from the Federal Competition Authority (BWB), has levied significant fines against Sennheiser and Sonova due to their involvement in vertical price-fixing agreements. Sennheiser was fined EUR 534,000, while Sonova received a EUR 100,000 penalty.

The investigation by the BWB began in 2022, focusing on suspected vertical price-fixing in the trade of Sennheiser-branded headphones. In September 2022, the BWB, with assistance from the German Federal Cartel Office, conducted searches at both companies in Germany. The investigation revealed that Sennheiser and Sonova had engaged in agreements with trading partners to maintain consistent retail prices, thereby restricting price competition among retailers.

Vertical price-fixing refers to agreements between companies operating at different levels of the supply chain. The violations by Sennheiser occurred from May 2015 to February 2022, while Sonova's infractions took place from March 2022 to September 2022. The decision has now become legally binding.

In a turn of events, both companies applied for leniency in 2023, cooperating fully with the BWB during the investigation. This cooperation was taken into account when determining the fines imposed on them.

Sennheiser is a prominent manufacturer of electronic products, particularly headphones and microphones, while Sonova specializes in hearing solutions, including hearing aids and cochlear implants. Notably, the consumer electronics division of Sennheiser was sold to Sonova through a carve-out process.