The Bundeskartellamt, Germany's competition authority, has concluded its investigation into Check24, a leading energy comparison portal, which was found to be restricting energy suppliers from offering lower prices on other platforms or their own sales channels. These restrictions, known as price parity or most-favored-nation clauses, have now been deemed unacceptable.

Check24 has committed to ending these practices, which will enhance competition among various comparison portals and other sales channels. Andreas Mundt, President of the Bundeskartellamt, emphasized the importance of maintaining competitive pressure, stating that such clauses could allow Check24 to increase commissions or reduce service quality without losing market share.

Check24 operates comparison portals across various sectors, including energy, where consumers can compare tariffs and finalize contracts directly. The platform is a crucial channel for energy suppliers, accounting for approximately 60-70% of new energy contract sign-ups in Germany.

Under the new commitments, Check24 will no longer impose price parity obligations in its energy contract mediation. This applies to all online and offline sales channels of energy suppliers, ensuring that Check24's contractual relationships and commission rates are not influenced by pricing on other platforms. The authority's decision marks a significant shift in the enforcement of competition law regarding price parity clauses.