Brussels, 05/12/2007 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has imposed a total of €243 210 000 fines on the Bayer, Denka, DuPont, Dow, ENI and Tosoh groups for participating in a cartel for chloroprene rubber in the European Economic Area (EEA) in violation of the EC Treaty (Article 81). Between 1993 and 2002, these companies shared a market worth €160 million, and in 2001 fixed the prices for chloroprene rubber. This product is used as an adhesive, such as latex for the production of diving equipment, condoms, the inner soles of shoes and rubber components in a range of industrial products. The fine of ENI was increased by 60% as the companies had been fined previously for similar behaviour in 1986 and 1994. The cooperation of three groups under the Commission's leniency programme was rewarded. Bayer (although a repeat offender) was granted full immunity and Tosoh and DuPont/Dow were granted a reduction of their fines of 50% and 25% respectively. (C.D.)