The EC is investigating a network of ship insurers known as the International Group of Proection & Indemnity Clubs exploring concerns about claim-sharing and joint-reinsurance agreements. The EC announced that it would look into whether the organization’s agreements with member insurers restrains competition. The investigation was triggered by the expiration of an exemption applicable to insurance agreement [...]
Category Archives: EU News
EC Raids Polyurethane Foam Manufacturers
August 17, 2010 – 10:33 am
In late July, the EC conducted unannounced inspections of several polyurethane foam manufacturers, marking the first step toward investigating anticompetitive conduct in the industry.
EC Fines Animal Feed Producers
August 16, 2010 – 2:39 pm
The European Commission fined six chemical manufacturers nearly 176 million Euros for fixing the price of animal feed phosphates during a three decade long cartel.
ECJ Upholds Fine Against Plasterboard Cartel Participant
August 12, 2010 – 2:05 pm
The ECJ affirmed an 85.8 million Euro fine against Knauf Gips for its alleged role in a plasterboard cartel, which was part of 478 million Euros in fines placed on four companies.
EU General Court Upholds Fine for Blocking Generic Drug Market Entry
August 12, 2010 – 2:00 pm
The EU General Court upheld the EC’s 2005 decision to fine AstraZeneca for abusing the patent system to delay they market entry of generic competitors for its ulcer drug Losec. The court reduced the fine from 60 euro to 53 euro, finding that the evidence was insufficient to prove wrong-doing in Denmark and Norway.
EC Imposes Fines in Animal Feed Cartel Case
July 26, 2010 – 2:33 pm
The EC fined animal feed phosphates producers for operating a three-decade cartel covering much of the EU. Animal feed phosphates are chemicals used in feed for cattle, pigs, poultry, fish and pets All but one company settled, receiving a 10% fine reduction. This was the first cartel case settlement where the EC followed both the settlement and ordinary procedures.
EC Closes Investigation of Major Airline Joint Venture
July 26, 2010 – 2:27 pm
The EC closed its investigation into the British Airways, American Airlines, Iberia, joint venture, concluding that commitments that the airlines offered were sufficient to alleviate the anticompetitive concerns. The parties pledged to make landing and take-off slots available at London Heathrow airport to facilitate the entry or expansion of competitors on routes between London and several major US airports.
EC Fines Prestressing Steel Manufacturers
July 26, 2010 – 2:22 pm
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
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.