Italian watchdog is investigating American elevator manufacturer Otis

MILAN – Italy’s Competition Authority (AGCM) has opened an investigation into the Italian operations of US elevator manufacturer Otis Worldwide over alleged unfair trade practices, the watchdog said on Friday.

Otis is suspected of installing elevator equipment that offers services for a fee without the express consent of customers, AGCM said in a statement.

The company may also have missed deadlines for new installations and inadequately handled maintenance and renovation requests, the competition watchdog said.

“We are aware of the investigation and are cooperating with the authority,” Otis said in an emailed statement, adding that he could not comment further because it is an ongoing legal matter.

Competition authority officials and members of the Italian tax police inspected several Otis offices in Italy as part of the investigation, AGCM said.