Conn. AG says Apple and Amazon are blocking competitors from offering lower e-book prices

Conn. AG: Apple, Amazon block lower e-book prices

HARTFORD, Conn. — Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal says Apple Inc. and Amazon.com Inc. are trying to stop competitors from offering lower e-book prices.

Blumenthal announced Monday that his office is investigating agreements made by the two companies that deter publishers from giving discounts to other e-book providers.

Blumenthal says the agreements hurt competition. He says he hopes to meet with representatives from both companies to discuss them.

An Apple spokesman declined to comment. Amazon did not immediately return messages left by The Associated Press on Monday.