Brussels, 11/04/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 11 April, the Commission confirmed that it had sent a statement of objections to several companies for their alleged role in an illegal trust. According to this communication, the companies being investigated were involved in bid-rigging, price-fixing, customer allocation and the exchange of confidential market information concerning the maritime transport of bulk liquids on deep sea routes, thereby restricting competition in the EU market, in violation of EC treaty rules outlawing restrictive business practices (Article 81 and Article 53 of the European Economic Area Agreement).
The Commission's preliminary conclusions are based on information obtained during unannounced inspections on 19-20 February 2003, information supplied afterwards under the Commission's Leniency Notice, and from the Commission's subsequent investigation. The alleged cartel members have two months to reply and/or request an oral hearing. Once this step is taken, the Commission can make a decision, which may take the form of a fine that could be up to 10% of company turnover. (cd)