Home Money & Business Business Walmart’s Mexican division intends to challenge a $4.6 million penalty for purported anti-competitive behavior.

Walmart’s Mexican division intends to challenge a $4.6 million penalty for purported anti-competitive behavior.

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MEXICO CITY — Walmart’s subsidiary in Mexico announced on Friday its intention to contest a fine totaling $4.6 million, which stems from allegations of engaging in anti-competitive practices with its suppliers.

In a public statement, Walmart de Mexico mentioned that it had been in discussions with its suppliers to address potential concerns regarding the fine. The sanction was issued by the Federal Competition Commission, the primary regulatory body overseeing monopolistic practices in the country, which raised alarms about what it termed a “relative monopolistic practice.”

This fine comes at a time when the Mexican government is planning to dissolve several independent agencies, including the Federal Competition Commission, as part of an initiative it claims is aimed at reducing government expenditures.

The commission apparently imposed the penalty after receiving complaints from at least one rival retailer, alleging that Walmart was leveraging its significant purchasing power to secure discounts that unfairly disadvantaged its competitors.

Walmart holds the position of being the dominant retail player in Mexico. The company criticized the commission’s ruling as being “incorrect,” asserting that it involved “errors in applying the law.” While Walmart indicated that it would comply with the commission’s decision in the interim, it also confirmed plans to file an appeal against the ruling.

On the financial front, Walmart’s shares experienced an uptick of about 7.5% on the Mexican stock exchange following the announcement.