Competition Commission enquiry - Cycle Lab response In the recent enquiry made by the Competition Commission, it has been alleged that the cycling industry met to discuss possible price-fixing schemes on cycling equipment and collusion to ?drive up? margins. Cycle Lab, as one of the attendees of this meeting and as a leading retailer in the industry, would like to respond as follows: Late last year over 40 of the country?s cycling wholesalers and retailers were invited to gather in Johannesburg at an open conference to discuss the state of the industry. The aim of the forum was to generate solutions to overcome the effects of the economic recession, with the objective of helping all SA retailers develop a sustainable business. This meeting was not an attempt to fix industry pricing, as alleged by the Competition Commission, but rather assessing the cycling industry and establishing ways to align the South African market with current international trends. All parties present debated possible solutions. It has come to our attention that the minutes captured at this open forum were inaccurate and, based on this document, the Competition Commission felt compelled to launch an enquiry into the matter. However, all members present will attest to the actual intent of the meeting and, to ensure the matter is resolved, have undertaken to sign legal affidavits to this effect. As an attendee of the meeting, Cycle Lab believes that the conference was aimed at providing positive outcomes for the entire industry ? wholesalers, retailers and consumers ? and that, once the Commission has completed its enquiry, they will find that this meeting was held with the best intentions for all involved. As one the country?s leading cycle retailers, we would like to re-affirm our commitment to our consumers. Andrew McLean, Cycle Lab Director
