EU acts over suspected freight cartel with China, US links
(BRUSSELS) - The EU's competition watchdog said Wednesday it had contacted several companies it suspects of taking part in price-fixing cartels in the air freight forwarding business.
"The (European) commission is investigating allegations that these companies fixed prices by colluding on the imposition, level, timing and application of various surcharges," the EU's executive arm said in a statement.
The allegations concern unnamed companies providing air freight services from Europe to and from China and from Europe to the United States.
The commission has sent official statements of objection to the companies involved, a formal step that informs the parties of the allegations and invites replies.
Those targeted may also request an oral hearing.
EU officials carried out surprise raids in October 2007 on the premises of "various providers of international freight forwarding services."
Text and Picture Copyright 2010 AFP. All other Copyright 2010 EUbusiness Ltd. All rights reserved. This material is intended solely for personal use. Any other reproduction, publication or redistribution of this material without the written agreement of the copyright owner is strictly forbidden and any breach of copyright will be considered actionable.