Sneaker Giants Settle Price-Fixing Charges

Consumers could see more variety in the prices for Reebok and Rockport footwear as a result of the companies’ decision to settle price-fixing charges.

The Federal Trade Commission announced a proposed settlement Thursday that would prohibit the companies from fixing the prices retailers use to advertise or sell their shoes to consumers.

Reebok International Ltd. of Stoughton, Mass., said the FTC and attorney general investigations “failed, in its view, to establish any evidence of wrongdoing.” But Reebok agreed to the settlements to avoid lengthy and costly litigation, it said.