Brussels, 03/02/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 3 February, the European Commission confirmed that its officials had carried out targeted spot checks on 20 January 2010 at the premises of producers of Flexible Alternating Current Transmission Systems, equipment used to increase the power transfer capability of electricity transmission networks. The Commission has reason to believe that the companies concerned may have violated EU antitrust rules that prohibit cartels and restrictive business practices. As is the practice in such inspections, the Commission did not reveal the names or nationalities of the companies concerned. The Commission points out that the fact that surprise inspections are carried out “does not mean that the companies are guilty”. Such inspections are a preliminary step, which do not prejudge the outcome of the investigation. During such inspections, the Commission officials are accompanied by their counterparts from the relevant national competition authorities. (O.L./transl.rt)