Following a two year investigation the Competition Authority has concluded that TicketMaster Ireland's conduct does not constitute an abuse of a dominant position or that its relationship with the two biggest event companies restricted competition.
The investigation was prompted by complaints from thousands of consumers concerning the price of tickets sold and the level of TicketMaster Ireland's booking fees which depends on the method of purchase.
The Competition Authority said that TicketMaster Ireland's conduct does not constitute an abuse of a dominant position; nor do the agreements between TicketMaster and MCD Productions and Aiken Promotions prevent, restrict or distort competition.
The Competition Authority said its investigation did highlight one issue of potential concern relating to the degree of transparency in ticket price information, but that this is not a breach of competition law. The Competition Authority said it has brought this issue to the attention of the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs and the National Consumer Agency.
TicketMaster Ireland accounts for 100% of the market for outsourced ticketing services for events of national or international appeal. However the Competition Authority said that TicketMaster Ireland is constrained from exploiting this position because: MCD Promotions and Aiken Promotions have the incentive to minimise the booking fee charged by TicketMaster Ireland to the end consumer.
