The European Commission has contacted 13 optical drive manufacturers suspected of being involved in a five-year bid-rigging cartel, informing them of an investigation into what the Commission terms “one of the most serious breaches of EU antitrust rules.” According to the EC statement, the manufacturers may have deliberately coordinated their bids in auctions for contracts with two major PC OEMs, artificially inflating the price.
13 optical drive makers suspected of cartel behavior in EU, under investigation
The European Commission is investigation 13 optical drive manufacturers over a suspected bid-rigging cartel that operated for at least five years.
The European Commission is investigation 13 optical drive manufacturers over a suspected bid-rigging cartel that operated for at least five years.
While the identities of the suppliers have not been revealed, it seems likely that the long list includes some high-profile names, with 13 manufacturers representing a significant chunk of the European optical drive market. The Commission’s initial contact is known as a statement of objections and will be followed by a period in which the accused parties can reply, examine documents, and request hearings with national and EU regulators. If the Commission finds concrete evidence of infringement, it may fine each company up to 10 percent of its annual worldwide turnover.
Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.
