The European Commission announced on Tuesday that it had carried out unannounced inspections at the facilities of an energy drink company in several EU member states, suspecting anti-competitive practices.
The European executive, guardian of competition in the EU, said in a statement that he feared “that the inspected company has violated the rules on cartels and abuse of a dominant position.”
Heavy fines incurred
The Commission did not provide the name of the company concerned or specify the countries in which the inspections were carried out. These inspections “constitute a step prior to an investigation for alleged anti-competitive practices,” he explained without further details. They do not prejudge the outcome of the investigation.
Companies involved in a secret cartel face heavy fines. However, they may benefit from immunity or a reduction in the amount of the fine if they report the facts and cooperate with the Commission throughout the procedure.
Source: BFM TV
