| Author (Corporate) | European Commission: DG Communication |
|---|---|
| Series Title | Press Release |
| Series Details | IP/09/1695 (11.11.09) |
| Publication Date | 11/11/2009 |
| Content Type | News |
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The European Commission imposed a total of €173,864,000 fines on 24 companies from 10 different undertakings – Akzo, Baerlocher, Ciba, Elementis, Elf Aquitaine (Arkema France), GEA, Chemson, Faci, Reagens and AC Treuhand – for violating the EC Treaty’s ban on cartels and restrictive business practices (Article 81). Chemtura Corporation participated but was not fined because it revealed the existence of the cartels to the Commission. On the one hand, fines on Arkema France, Baerlocher and Ciba were reduced for cooperating with the Commission investigation. On the other hand, Arkema France's fine was increased by 90% as it had previously taken part in similar cartels. Between 1987 and 2000 the companies fixed prices, shared customers, allocated markets and exchanged sensitive commercial information for tin stabilisers (1987-2000) and ESBO/esters (1991-2000) heat stabilisers in the European Economic Area (EEA). Heat stabilisers are added to PVC products in order to improve their thermal resistance. They also increase the plasticity, rigidity and transparency of final PVC products and protect them from discolouration. |
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| Source Link | Link to Main Source http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/09/1695&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en |
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| Subject Categories | Internal Markets |
| Countries / Regions | Europe |
