Legal Question in Business Law in United Kingdom

Can a company refuse to sell something without reason?

A colleague and I are in the final stages of setting up an outsource company offering services to video games developers. In order for us to succeed we need access to some specific hardware only available from the manufacturers of certain video game consoles.

I have been asking the said console manufacturers for details on how we may purchase the equipment for about 6 months and they have point blank refused to answer me. Nothing at all.

We aren't in any way in competition with the manufacturers and I just cannot fathom a reason why they are being so ignorant. I have contacted them many times via email and letter (there is no useful telephone number to ring) and I have become totally disillusioned with the lack of response.

I would simply like to know if in general, can they legally refuse to trade with us for no apparent reason? There are a number of companies around the world offering the same service that we do and all of them appear to have the required equipment. It is very frustrating that our plans are being scuppered through no fault of our own.


Asked on 6/03/04, 4:10 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Richard Howard Richard Howard & CO

Re: Can a company refuse to sell something without reason?

If the manufacturer is in a dominant position in the market and there are no other obvious sources of supply you may have some rights under Domestic or EU Competition Law but this would be a last resort.

If you cannot source from anywhere else then you would need to take specific legal advice on the best way to invoke Competition Law.

Given that they must have a physical address have you been to see them or written a personal letter to a director at his home address?

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Answered on 6/04/04, 8:52 am


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