ACM launches investigation into abuse of dominance by an international software company
                  

                
                                  






  







  



  
    
              
        
        
      
      
                        
          

Summary

ACM has launched an investigation into a large, internationally operating software company.
This company is suspected of abusing a dominant position, resulting in buyers getting harmed.
ACM will investigate whether this company has indeed violated the competition rules.


  

  

    
      
          

      

  


                

  
    
            

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has launched an investigation into a large, internationally operating software company in the business market. ACM suspects that this company abuses a dominant position, resulting in buyers getting harmed. The suspected abuse concerns the pricing of certain software as well as the conditions that the company applies vis-à-vis buyers in the Netherlands. Buyers that are dependent on this software possibly pay too much or are confronted with unfair conditions. As a result, competition may be restricted, too.
Businesses cannot abuse their dominant positions


A business has a dominant position if it is able to act independently from buyers and competitors, for example, because buyers face difficulties switching to different suppliers. Businesses are allowed to have a dominant position, but they cannot abuse such position. That is prohibited under the competition rules. Abuse may consist of, for example, charging unreasonably high prices or applying unfair conditions to buyers. This can lead to higher costs for businesses and, ultimately, also to higher prices and less innovation for consumers.
The digital economy


ACM ensures that markets remain fair and open, so that businesses are able to compete with each other on price, quality, and innovation. When receiving reports that a business abuses its dominant position, ACM can take action. The digital economy is one of ACM’s key priorities. This investigation ties into ACM’s efforts to ensure that markets in the digital economy work well, since more and more individuals and businesses are dependent on these services.
Next steps


ACM has conducted a dawn raid, has requested information, and, over the next few months, will assess whether this company has indeed violated the competition rules. In this process, ACM may also come to the conclusion that the law has not been violated. If ACM comes to the conclusion that the law has indeed been violated, the company will have the opportunity to tell its side of the story. Only then will ACM be able to impose any sanctions.
Submit a tip-off


Do you have any indications that a business is violating the competition rules? Please report it to ACM. You can do so by visiting this page: Tip off. You can also submit a tip-off anonymously.

      

    
          
                                          
                                  
                                      See also
                      
    

Abuse of a dominant position | ACM (in Dutch)
            
                                  
                                
                  

                
          
          
          Publication characteristics
          
                                    
                Publication date
                30-09-2025
              
                      
                                    
                Publication type
                  News

              
                      

                      
              Spokesperson
              
                                    Rick van Tol

                              
            
          
                                

          
                      

                                    
                Keywords
                  Abuse of dominant position,
  Digital economy

              
                      
                                    
                Subjects
                  Competition,
  Digital economy

ACM Investigates Software Company for Dominance Abuse

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has launched an investigation into a large, internationally operating software company suspected of abusing its dominant position in the business market.

ACM's investigation focuses on whether the company's pricing strategies and conditions imposed on buyers in the Netherlands are unfair, potentially leading to higher costs for businesses and consumers.

ACM emphasizes that while businesses can hold a dominant position, they are prohibited from abusing it under competition rules. Such abuse may include charging excessively high prices or imposing unfair conditions, which can stifle competition and innovation.

The digital economy is a key priority for ACM, and this investigation is part of its efforts to ensure fair market practices as more individuals and businesses rely on digital services.

As part of the investigation, ACM has conducted a dawn raid and requested information from the company. Over the coming months, ACM will determine if there has been a violation of competition rules, allowing the company to respond before any sanctions are imposed.



ACM Investigates Software Company for Dominance Abuse

The Dutch competition authority, ACM, has initiated an investigation into a major international software company suspected of abusing its dominant market position, potentially harming buyers.