Brussels, 19/03/2004 (Agence Europe) - Finnish group Koné, world's fourth largest lift manufacturer, admitted having uncovered 'anti-competitive practices' at its German, Luxembourg and Belgian branches following investigations it carried out at its premises. The group decided to launch an internal audit following the opening of a Commission investigation at the end of January (see EUROPE 3 January). Koné nonetheless highlighted that the irregularities have repercussions on local markets only and do not touch upon the European market as a whole. It stressed it had "taken immediate measures to stop anything that could potentially be considered as anti-competitive behaviour". The group assures that it will continue to co-operate fully with the European Commission. United Technologies (UTC), also concerned by the procedure, has opened an internal investigation. In a press statement it also admits having uncovered dubious practices in its Otis branch: "Based on preliminary results, UTC has reason to believe that some Otis employees (…) have engaged in activities at local level in violation of Otis and UTC policies and applicable competition law, states the press release. German company ThyssenKrupp, also targeted by the investigation, denies any allegations of violating European rules.