Brussels, 24/05/2011 (Agence Europe) - A fine of €8 million was the amount of a fine imposed by the Commission, on Tuesday 24 May, on Suez Environment and its subsidiary, Lyonnaise des Eaux France (LDE), for the breach of a seal affixed by the Commission during an inspection at LDE's premises in April 2010 as part of a competition inquiry.
From 13 to 16 April 2010, the Commission conducted an inspection at the premises of water management companies in France, including LDE, over suspicions of anti-competitive behaviour. Coming back the morning of the second day, the Commission officials found that a seal had been broken at LDE's headquarters. The Commission immediately started an investigation. LDE and Suez Environment admitted that an LDE employee breached the seal, arguing an unintentional act.
Breach of a seal is serious infringement of competition law. The Commission, however, took into account the immediate and constructive cooperation of Suez Environment and LDE, which provided more information than it had to, when setting the fine. The investigation into suspected anti-competitive practices in the water and waste water markets is still underway. (O.L./transl.jl)