Italian watchdog investigating US elevator manufacturer Otis

MILAN – It was stated that the Italian competition authority (AGCM) launched an investigation against the Italian business of the US elevator manufacturer Otis Worldwide due to allegations of unfair commercial practices.

AGCM said in a statement that Otis is suspected of installing fee-based elevator devices without customers’ express permission.

The competition watchdog said the company may also have failed to meet deadlines for new installations and inadequately met requests for maintenance and renovations.

“We are aware of the investigation and are cooperating with authorities,” Otis said in an emailed statement, adding that he could not comment further because it was an ongoing legal matter.

AGCM said officials from the competition authority and members of Italy’s tax police inspected several Otis offices in Italy as part of the investigation.