Italy wrestles with antitrust loophole that could save Amazon a packet

FILE PHOTO: Flags flutter outside an Amazon distribution centre in Passo Corese, Italy March 22, 2021. REUTERS/Remo Casilli/File Photo

ROME (Reuters) - Italy's competition watchdog AGCM is trying to close a legal loophole that has allowed several companies to evade antitrust fines and may help Amazon in an ongoing appeal, a legal expert and two sources told Reuters.

The European Commission is closely following the matter, which has potential implications for a record 1.1-billion-euro ($1.2 billion) fine in Italy that the U.S. e-commerce company is challenging before local administrative courts.