Samsung and Philips have confessed that they were raided recently by European Commission inspectors.

The Commission said it was concerned these firms had colluded in restricting online availability of some products in a bid to drive up prices.

Both Samsung and Philips said they were co-operating with the authorities.

The alleged offence would be in breach of European competition rules.

“The Commission has concerns that the companies concerned may have violated EU antitrust rules that prohibit anticompetitive agreements or concerted practices,” it said in a statement.

I recall at launch the Samsung Note 3 costing as much as £649. Now on Amazon for £499.

And if retailers didn’t cooperate with higher launch prices, stock might have be an issue for them.

Anti competitive or reasonable practise ?