U.K.’s CMA launches investigation into Ticketmaster over Oasis concert sales

The U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority announced that it has launched an investigation into Ticketmaster regarding the sale of Oasis tickets for the band’s upcoming reunion tour, including how so-called “dynamic pricing” may have been used. The CMA is scrutinizing whether the sale of Oasis tickets by Ticketmaster may have breached consumer protection law. The CMA is at the initial stage of its investigation and will now be engaging with Ticketmaster and gathering evidence from various other sources, which may include the band’s management and event organizers. It should not be assumed that Ticketmaster has broken consumer protection law. The CMA will also consider whether it is appropriate to investigate the conduct of anyone else in relation to the matter. The CMA is separately considering broader competition and consumer issues raised by so-called “dynamic pricing.” The letter notes that the government may include measures relating to “dynamic pricing” in its ticketing consultation, and the CMA will assist the government should it seek to develop policy in this area.