Major Telescope Companies Face $32 Million Settlement Over Price Fixing

Amateur astronomers who bought telescopes between 2005 and 2023 might qualify for payments from a $32 million settlement. This comes after a class action lawsuit accused major telescope makers of price fixing and monopolizing the U.S. market. The companies involved include well-known brands like Celestron, Meade, Olivon, and Sky-Watcher, along with their parent firms Synta Technologies and Ningbo Sunny. According to the lawsuit, these companies conspired to divide the market and keep prices high, leaving American astronomy enthusiasts overpaying for their equipment.

The case originally stemmed from a 2016 lawsuit by Orion Technologies, a California-based telescope maker, which alleged that Synta and Ningbo Sunny unfairly pushed competitors out of the market. Court documents revealed that Synta and Ningbo Sunny struck deals to divide the market, with each focusing on different price ranges. Synta controlled higher-end products through Celestron, while Ningbo Sunny focused on budget options with Meade. Over time, this alleged collusion led to the closure of several smaller telescope companies, including Orion itself in 2024, despite its earlier legal victory.

While the companies deny wrongdoing, they’ve agreed to settle the case as a business decision to move forward. The settlement, approved in November 2023, allows affected buyers to claim compensation until May 20, 2025. A final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for April 2025. This marks a significant moment for the U.S. telescope industry, which was valued at $1.21 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow in the coming years. Astronomers can find more details and claim forms on the Telescopes Antitrust Litigation Settlement website (www.telescopesettlement.com).