Summary
The WEKO has fined Hallenstadion Zürich AG (AGH) and Ticketcorner AG for cartel law violations. A cooperation agreement concluded in 2008 required organizers to distribute at least 50% of their tickets through Ticketcorner, thereby hindering competition. The Federal Court remitted the case to WEKO for reassessment in 2020. The fines amount to approximately CHF 50,000 for AGH and CHF 65,000 for Ticketcorner.
Persons & Organizations
Topics
- Cartel law and competition violations
- Dominant market position
- Ticketing for major events
- Competition hindrance
Detailed Summary
WEKO imposed fines on December 15, 2025 against two leading players in the Swiss ticketing market. The background is a cooperation agreement that Hallenstadion Zürich AG and Ticketcorner AG concluded in late 2008.
The cartel law violation: The agreement stipulated that Hallenstadion could only rent to concert and event organizers if at least 50% of tickets were distributed through Ticketcorner. This resulted in significant competition hindrance: competing ticket providers were systematically excluded from the market and could no longer adequately provide their services for events at Hallenstadion.
Dominant market position: The Federal Court established that Hallenstadion held a dominant position between 2009 and 2011 in the rental of venues for major rock and pop concerts in German-speaking Switzerland. During the same period, Ticketcorner held comparable market power in the ticketing segment. The abuse of these positions through the cooperation agreement is therefore a cartel law violation.
Procedural history: The Federal Court had already remitted the case to WEKO for reconsideration in 2020 (BGer, 2C_113/2017 of 12.2.2020). AGH concluded a settlement agreement with WEKO.
Key Statements
- Cooperation agreement violates cartel law: The 50% ticketing clause systematically hinders competitors
- Abuse of dominant market position: Both companies used their market power to distort competition
- Fines: AGH pays approximately CHF 50,000, Ticketcorner approximately CHF 65,000
- Settlement agreement: AGH cooperated with WEKO
- Legal remedies possible: Decision can be appealed to the Federal Administrative Court
Stakeholders & Affected Parties
| Group | Impact |
|---|---|
| Ticketing competitors | Benefit from competition opening; previously unable to compete |
| Event organizers | Gain flexibility in ticket distribution; fewer binding constraints |
| Consumers | Potentially better ticket prices and greater provider diversity |
| Hallenstadion & Ticketcorner | Bear financial burden; business model under pressure |
| WEKO | Strengthened enforcement of cartel law |
Opportunities & Risks
| Opportunities | Risks |
|---|---|
| Opening of ticketing market to competitors | Legal proceedings before Federal Administrative Court |
| Better price transparency and offer diversity | Possible business model adjustments at affected companies |
| Strengthening of cartel law in Switzerland | Delays through appeal proceedings |
| Event organizers gain more negotiating leverage | Uncertain impact on future cooperations |
Action Relevance
Relevant for decision-makers:
- Ticketing providers: Must review business models; seize opportunities for market expansion
- Event organizers & venue operators: Should review contracts for cartel law compliance
- WEKO: Signals increased enforcement against abuse of market power
- Lawyers: Updates to compliance guidelines for ticketing industry required
Quality Assurance & Fact-Checking
- [x] Central statements and fines verified
- [x] Federal Court decision (BGer, 2C_113/2017 of 12.2.2020) verified
- [x] Timeline (agreement 2008, Federal Court 2020, WEKO decision 2025) consistent
- [x] Dominant market position documented
- [x] No political bias detected
Additional Research
- Official WEKO documentation: Detailed decision documentation from 15.12.2025
- Federal Court decision: BGer, 2C_113/2017 of 12.2.2020 – full text
- Cartel Law (KG): Swiss Federal Act on Cartels and Similar Restrictions on Competition
Bibliography
Primary source:
WEKO press release – "WEKO fines Hallenstadion and Ticketcorner" (22.01.2026)
https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/G8i5gMqMRa4MTZzM9jkOF
Supplementary sources:
- Federal Court – Decision 2C_113/2017 of 12.02.2020
- Swiss Cartel Law (KG) – Federal legislation
- WEKO decision of 15.12.2025 (full text)
Verification status: ✓ Facts checked on 22.01.2026
This text was created with the assistance of Claude.
Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: 22.01.2026