Cineplex loses $39M competition case in Federal Court

Executive Summary

• The Federal Court of Appeal has upheld the Competition Tribunal's September 2024 decision regarding Cineplex Inc.'s online booking fee presentation.
• The decision includes a $39-million administrative monetary penalty against Cineplex.
• Cineplex disagrees with the ruling, asserts its compliance with the law, and intends to seek leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada.

Key Details

• Court Decision: The Federal Court of Appeal upheld the Competition Tribunal's decision from September 2024.
• Subject Matter: The case concerned the presentation of Cineplex's online booking fee.
• Financial Penalty: An administrative monetary penalty of $39 million was imposed.
• Company Response: Cineplex issued a statement respectfully disagreeing with the decision, maintaining that its fee presentation was clear, prominent, and compliant with the spirit and letter of the law.
• Next Steps: Cineplex plans to seek leave to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court of Canada.

Notable Quotes

• "We respectfully disagree with the Federal Court of Appeal's decision. We continue to believe that our on-line booking fee has always been presented in a clear and prominent manner that fully complies with the spirit and letter of the law. We have reviewed the Federal Court of Appeal's decision and will seek leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada." — Cineplex Inc.