French accuse Royal Mail of breaching antitrust law

The maximum fine would be 10 per cent of Royal Mail’s global turnover
The maximum fine would be 10 per cent of Royal Mail’s global turnover
OLI SCARFF/GETTY IMAGES

Royal Mail has been caught up in a competition investigation after French regulators accused one of its subsidiaries of breaching antitrust laws.

The postal operator warned that it could face “material” losses if it was found to have breached rules governing the €3.75 billion French parcels market.

Under French antitrust law, the maximum fine is 10 per cent of global turnover, meaning that Royal Mail could be fined up to £160 million, according to analysts.

Royal Mail said that “certain group companies had received a notice from the French competition authority, Autorité de la concurrence, alleging breaches of antitrust laws by one of its subsidiaries, GLS France”.

It said: “This is in connection with a broader investigation into alleged activities within the industry in France.