Chris Warner, an experienced consumer lawyer, announced today that he has the backing of litigation funder Balance Legal Capital for a proposed opt-out collective claim against Booking.com.
Booking.com is accused of raising prices for millions of UK consumers who have purchased hotel and other travel accommodation through its use of ‘price parity’ clauses.
The proposed collective proceedings will allege that Booking.com uses narrow 'price parity' clauses which restrict accommodation providers, such as hotels or B&Bs, from offering lower room prices. The claim will say this means millions of UK consumers have been overpaying for hotel and travel accommodation, with total damages estimated to be over £2 billion.
Warner has instructed a team at Mishcon de Reya to bring the proceedings. The case team includes Wessen Jazrawi, Partner, assisted by Luke Horton-Grimes, Managing Associate, at Mishcon de Reya LLP, Counsel from Blackstone Chambers and economists from economic consultancy BRG.
The claim is expected to be filed in the Competition Appeal Tribunal shortly.
Chris Warner said:
"For many years, Booking.com has imposed price parity clauses on hotels and accommodation providers across the UK. I believe this has artificially inflated hotel prices in breach of UK competition law, leaving consumers out of pocket.
I will be seeking to represent the many millions of UK consumers who have been harmed by these anti-competitive practices."
Wessen Jazrawi, Partner of Mishcon de Reya, said:
"Booking.com's use of price parity clauses has stifled competition in the hotel and accommodation sector. We look forward to working with Chris to secure damages on behalf of UK consumers who have overpaid for hotel and other accommodation as a result."
Robert Rothkopf, Managing Partner of Balance Legal Capital, said:
"Balance is pleased to be supporting this action against alleged anti-competitive behaviour. Without litigation funding and a predictable class action regime, there is no recourse for classes of consumers and businesses affected by anti-competitive conduct by dominant corporations."