04/05/2007 (Agence Europe) - In a press release published on 3 May, the European Commission confirms that Commission officials have carried out unannounced inspections at the premises of several marine hose producers in France, Italy and the United Kingdom. Such hoses are used to transport crude oil and petroleum products, for example for loading and unloading tankers. Surprise inspections were carried out at several EU and US companies in collaboration with officials from national competition authorities. The Commission coordinated its investigative measures with the US Department of Justice in the context of a suspected worldwide cartel concerning marine hoses, which may have violated Article 81 of the EU Treaty. There is no strict deadline for the completion of cartel investigations. (cd)