Brussels, 18/12/2003 (Agence Europe) - As was reported briefly, the European Commission has imposed a fine of €79 million on the main European copper producers. Those affected are KME, fined €39.81 million, Wieland Werke (€20.79 million), and Outokumpu (€18.13 million). At the end of an investigation opened in March 2001, the Commission had evidence that these companies had agreements on price-fixing and market-sharing between May 1998 and March 2001, under the cover of official trade meetings organized by "Cuproclima Association for ACR Tubes". This association was established in 1985 with the purpose of promoting a quality standard for industrial copper tubes. These tubes are mainly used in the manufacture of air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment. The market is worth around €290 a year and the companies concerned account for 75- 85% of total output. Outokumpu's fine was reduced by 50% in recognition of its swift and extensive cooperation in the investigation. The fines imposed on KME and Wieland Werke were also reduced, but by a smaller percentage, given that they cooperated at a later stage and less willingly.