Switzerland investigates Beiersdorf in dispute over Nivea pricing

ZURICH (Reuters) -The Swiss competition authority said on Tuesday it has opened an investigation into Beiersdorf over whether the German consumer goods group has relative market power over Swiss retailer Migros in a dispute about the cost of its Nivea products.

In a statement, the authority known as COMCO said Beiersdorf is allegedly refusing to allow Migros to purchase Nivea brand products under the same conditions as abroad.

In the investigation, COMCO is analysing whether Beiersdorf has relative market power compared to Migros.

"If so, it will investigate whether Beiersdorf is abusing this position by charging Migros higher prices for the same Nivea products than comparable retailers abroad," it said.

Beiersdorf said it could not comprehend the allegations and would cooperate with COMCO to help clarify the matter.

Compliance with regulations and in particular antitrust law had top priority for Beiersdorf, the firm said in a statement.

(Writing by Dave Graham, Editing by Miranda Murray)