MILAN, Oct 25 - Italy's competition authority (AGCM) has

opened an investigation into U.S. elevator maker Otis

Worldwide's ( OTIS ) Italian business over alleged unfair

commercial practices, the watchdog said on Friday.

Otis is suspected of having installed on elevators devices

that offer services for a fee without explicit consent from

customers, AGCM said in a statement, adding that the company may

also have failed to meet deadlines for new installations and

handled maintenance and renovation requests inadequately.

Officials from the competition authority and members of

Italy's tax police have inspected several Otis offices in Italy

as part of the investigation, AGCM said.

Otis Worldwide ( OTIS ) and its Italian business did not respond

immediately to emailed requests for comment.