Furniture retailer Natuzzi has denied any involvement in alleged price fixing, for which has been reported to the Office of Fair Trading.

Preston-based independent furniture retailer Cresta has lodged a complaint against the Italian-based Natuzzi claiming they tried to prevent Cresta from selling goods cheaper than Natuzzi does in its stores.

Retail Week reports that Natuzzi issued a statement denying any allegations which said:

“The court will deal with all matters raised, including any allegations of resale price maintenance; allegations that Natuzzi are vigorously defending against.”

Cresta, who have sold Natuzzi goods for the past seventeen years claims it has taped conversations with Natuzzi and will pass them to the court. A Cresta spokesman also stated that they would not be bullied by the Italian firm.

Cresta has been granted an injunction preventing Natuzzi from drawing on its bank guarantee while the OFT investigates.

The news comes just a couple of days after Cary Benson, the VP of Natuzzi’s American arm resigned amid rumours that Natuzzi America had been reported to the SEc and the US Dept of Justice.