Brussels, 22/06/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 22 June, the European Commission sent a statement of objections to nine European producers of mountings for windows and window-doors. It believes it has evidence showing their participation in a cartel covering mountings used to open and close windows and terrace and balcony doors.
In July 2007, the Commission carried out unannounced inspections at the premises of a number of European producers of mountings. The mountings concerned are the mechanical parts that allow the opening and closing of a window or window-door and attach a window to its frame. The most commonly used type of mountings in Europe is the so called tilt and turn mechanism, designed to enable the full or partial opening of the window in different positions with one handle. The Commission believes that nine European producers may have colluded to increase the sales prices for these mountings in the European Economic Area (EEA). As is customary in this kind of case, the Commission has not revealed the identity of the companies to which it sent a statement of objections. In a press release, it points out that sending a statement of objections does not prejudge the final outcome of the procedure but that, if there is sufficient evidence of infringement, the companies concerned are liable to a fine of up to 10% of their annual worldwide turnover. (O.L./transl.jl)