The EC fined prestressing steel manufacturers for participating in an 18-year cartel in almost all EU Member States. Prestressing steel is used with in constructing foundations, balconies or bridges
Category Archives: EU News
ECJ Upholds De Beers’ Commitments re: Rough Diamond Purchases
July 26, 2010 – 2:15 pm
On June 29, 2010, the ECJ overturned the General Court’s judgment and reinstated the EC’s decision to make De Beers’ commitments to end purchases of rough diamonds from Alrosa binding.
EC Imposes Fines in Bathroom Equipment Cartel Case
July 26, 2010 – 2:10 pm
The EC has fined bathroom equipment manufacturers for participating in a price fixing cartel in six EU countries. The 12-year cartel included agreements involving sinks, bathtubs, taps, and fittings.
EC Reinstates Fine in Carbonless Paper Cartel Case
July 26, 2010 – 2:07 pm
The EC has reinstated a reduced fine on Bolloré for participating in price-fixing and market-sharing agreements in the carbonless paper market. The fine had been set aside by the ECJ on procedural grounds. The reduction is intended to take account of Bolloré’s cooperation.
ECJ Upholds Platerboard Cartel Fine Increase
July 26, 2010 – 2:01 pm
On 17 June, 2010, the European Court of Justice upheld the EC’s decision to increase by 50% the November 2002 fine imposed on the French cement firm Lafarge for participating in a cartel on the plasterboard market. The Court held that the increase was justified by the defendant’s repeated infringements of the law.
Visa Europe Commits to Reduce Debit Interchange
May 28, 2010 – 11:55 am
Update May 2010: The EC and Visa have reached an agreement to reduce debit card fees by .2%. A comment period will proceed and then an evaluation of the effectiveness of the reduction. In late April, Visa Europe commited to cut its multilateral interchange fees (MIFs) for debit card payments to .20% as the maximum weighted average MIF […]
EC Fines DRAMS Chip Makers
May 26, 2010 – 12:07 pm
On 19 May, 2010, the EC settled a case involving 10 producers of DRAMS chips used in computers and servers, fining the parties €331,273,800. The fine was reduced by 10% because the companies’ acknowledged the facts.
EC Investigates Bale Wrap Manufacturers
May 26, 2010 – 12:02 pm
The EC inspected companies involved with bale wrap – a plastic film which is used to package silage, hay and straw. The unannouced inspections involved cartel concerns.
EU Court Upholds EC Decision Rejecting a Complaint Involving Portland Cement Producers
May 26, 2010 – 11:59 am
The EU General Court dismissed the appeal of an EC decision rejecting a complaint against alleged anti-competitive practices by European portland cement producers.
EC Investigates French Water Supply Companies
May 26, 2010 – 11:51 am
On April 16, the EC inspected the premises of several French water supply companies. The unannounced investigations concern potentially unfair pricing practices.