MEMO/09/46
Brussels, 3 February 2009
Antitrust: Commission
confirms inspections in high voltage power cable
sector
The European Commission can confirm that on 28-30
January 2009 Commission officials carried out unannounced inspections at the
premises of companies involved in the manufacture of high voltage undersea
cables. The Commission has reason to believe that the companies may have
violated EC Treaty rules on restrictive business practices (Article 81), which
prohibit practices such as price fixing.
Surprise inspections are a preliminary step in investigations into suspected
anti-competitive practices. The fact that the European Commission carries out
such inspections does not mean that the companies are guilty of anti-competitive
behaviour nor does it prejudge the outcome of the investigation itself. The
European Commission respects the rights of defence, in particular the right of
companies to be heard in antitrust proceedings.
There is no strict deadline to complete inquiries into anti-competitive
conduct. Their duration depends on a number of factors, including the complexity
of each case, the extent to which the undertakings concerned co-operate and the
exercise of the rights of defence.
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