Brussels, 19/01/2007 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has confirmed that, on 16-17 January 2007, officials carried out unannounced inspections at the premises of several calcium carbide suppliers in Austria, Germany, Slovakia and Slovenia. The Commission had reason to believe that the companies concerned may have infringed Article 81 of the EC Treaty, which bans practices such as price fixing. The Commission officials were accompanied by their counterparts from the national competition authority.
Surprise inspections are a preliminary step in investigations into suspected cartels. The fact that the Commission carries out such inspections does not mean that the companies are guilty of anti-competitive behaviour, nor does it prejudge the outcome of the investigation itself, the Commission stresses in a press release. The European Commission respects the rights of defence, in particular the right of companies to be heard in antitrust proceedings.
There is no strict deadline for the completion of cartel inquiries. It depends on a number of factors, including the complexity of each case, the extent to which the companies concerned cooperate, and the exercise of the rights of defence. (cd)