EU Officials Search Amer Sports and Tecnica Group Locations Over Antitrust Concerns

European Union officials searched locations of Amer Sports and Tecnica Group due to concerns of possible anticompetitive behavior in the ski-equipment sector. The companies confirmed the inspections and said they are cooperating with the authorities. The EU's executive arm, the European Commission, is reviewing compliance with EU competition law. Unannounced inspections can lead to formal investigations and fines if the companies are found to have violated EU rules.

The European Union (EU) has launched an investigation into potential anticompetitive practices in the ski-equipment sector, with unannounced inspections targeting the facilities of Amer Sports and Tecnica Group. The companies confirmed the inspections and stated they are cooperating with the authorities. The EU's executive arm, the European Commission, is reviewing compliance with EU competition law Tecnica, Atomic among ski companies probed by EU antitrust enforcers (update*)^[1].

The inspections were part of a broader probe into the "ski equipment sector," where Tecnica Group and Atomic, a subsidiary of Amer Sports, were specifically targeted. The European Commission announced the raids on Monday, October 21, 2025, indicating concerns that these companies may have breached competition law Tecnica, Atomic among ski companies probed by EU antitrust enforcers (update*)^[1].

The European Commission's probe comes amidst a broader push to strengthen Europe's position in artificial intelligence (AI). The Commission recently unveiled two strategies—the Apply AI Strategy and the AI in Science Strategy—to expand AI use across industries and research in Europe. These initiatives aim to accelerate AI adoption and enhance Europe's leadership in AI-driven scientific research European Commission Outlines New Strategies for AI and Science^[2].

The Apply AI Strategy focuses on sectors such as healthcare, energy, mobility, manufacturing, and agriculture. It aims to support both large industries and SMEs in integrating AI into their operations, with around €1 billion mobilized to fund various initiatives European Commission Outlines New Strategies for AI and Science^[2]. The AI in Science Strategy, on the other hand, seeks to make Europe a global hub for AI-driven research and innovation, with €600 million from Horizon Europe to expand access to computational power for researchers and startups European Commission Outlines New Strategies for AI and Science^[2].

While the focus of the AI strategies is on promoting AI adoption, the investigation into Amer Sports and Tecnica Group underscores the EU's commitment to maintaining fair competition across sectors. Unannounced inspections can lead to formal investigations and potential fines if the companies are found to have violated EU rules.

Investors and financial professionals should closely monitor the developments in this probe, as any findings could impact the competitive landscape and market dynamics in the ski-equipment sector. The European Commission's efforts to promote AI adoption while ensuring fair competition highlight the balancing act between innovation and regulatory oversight.