THE WHAT? Kering has announced that the Italian premises of its Gucci brand are being inspected by the European Commission as part of a preliminary investigation into the fashion sector in several countries under EU antitrust rules.

THE DETAILS Kering said that it was fully cooperating with the investigation. The Commission is yet to reveal the number of firms under investigation or which brands will be subject to unannounced inspections.

THE WHY? The Commission is concerned that a number of fashion houses may have violated EU antitrust rules against cartels and restrictive business practices.