If you use a high-end or mid-range smartphone, it is very likely that, without knowing it, you are holding glass manufactured by the American company Corning. Indeed, it is this company that supplies its Ceramic Shield glasses to Apple. And it is also the one that manufactures Gorilla Glass which ensures the durability of the screens of many Android smartphones.
European Commission looks into Corning deals with smartphone makers
Today, this company is under an antitrust investigation by the European Commission into possible anticompetitive practices. “The Commission is concerned that Corning may have distorted competition by entering into anti-competitive exclusive supply agreements with mobile phone manufacturers (original equipment manufacturers or “OEMs”) and with companies that process raw glass (“finishers”). ”, we read in the Brussels press release.
More specifically, the European Commission is talking about agreements that would require smartphone manufacturers to source all or almost all of their “Alkali-AS” glass needs from Corning. Corning would also offer reductions, provided that manufacturers respect these agreements. And Brussels also mentions a clause “requiring OEMs to notify Corning of competitive offers and allowing OEMs to accept that offer only if Corning does not match the price.” Otherwise, the European Commission is also looking into the agreements between Corning and the finishers.
What’s next?
The European Commission says it is concerned that Corning’s deals will prevent rival companies from accessing a large segment of the market. And from now on, it will carry out an in-depth investigation, while reminding, as usual, that the opening of a formal investigation does not prejudge its outcome. But, at the same time, the Commission indicates that Corning also has the possibility of presenting commitments to respond to its concerns.
- Specialist in protective glass for smartphones, the American company Corning supplies both Apple and Android smartphone brands
- Today, this company is under investigation by Brussels, which is looking into agreements between Corning and smartphone manufacturers
- The Commission will conduct a thorough investigation, but also gives Corning the opportunity to present commitments that address Brussels’ concerns
