Brussels, 14/05/2004 (Agence Europe) - the European Commission has opened an investigation into a possible cartel agreement in the gas insulated switchgear sector. Competition services confirmed that they had begun simultaneous investigations on 11-12 May in the offices of the main manufacturers of this kind of equipment. Gas insulated switchgear GIS is equipment used by electricity stations to control the flow of energy in the electricity grids. The Commission suspects illegal practices involving calls for tender, information exchange on prices and market share. It did not mention whether the companies were involved in anti-trust activities but the Swiss company ABB spontaneously announced that it was being investigated. ABB itself contacted the competent services to denounce illegal practices of certain members of its personnel which collaborated with employees of other rival firms in order to exchange confidential information. In a press statement, ABB underlined its attachment to "fair and open competition and its intention to practice zero tolerance of illegal or unethical behaviour".