Chemical News
-
Europe: EU confirms raids on polyurethane foam makers
https://www.chemnet.com Aug 05,2010
Brussels - The European Union's executive on Tuesday confirmed that it has raided the premises of a number of makers of polyurethane foam, suspecting them of running an illegal cartel.
EU rules prohibit price-fixing and other market manipulation. The European Commission has a long record of breaking up cartels, issuing fines worth billions of dollars in the process.
The commission 'can confirm that, starting on July 27, 2010, commission officials carried out unannounced inspections at the premises of companies active in the polyurethane foam sector in several member states,' the Brussels-based body said in a statement.
The commission has reason to believe that the companies concerned may have violated European antitrust rules that prohibit cartels and restrictive business practices,' the statement said.
Polyurethane foam is used to manufacture a wide variety of products, such as car seats and mattresses.
Following standard practice, the commission refused to name the companies raided. However, Belgian firm Recticel said in a statement that its premises in Britain and Belgium had been raided, as had the premises of Eurofoam, a joint venture between Recticel and Austrian producer Greiner.
The statement also stressed that the decision to launch raids should not be taken as proof that the companies targeted have indeed been engaged in illegal activity.
Print | 
add to Favorites | 
Close
International Chemical Exhibition
-
Advertisement
-
