EU searched ethylene purchasers' premises due to suspicion of collusion / Clariant and Celanese affected

摘要

The European Commission (www.ec.europa.eu) has confirmed that on 16 May 2017 it performed unannounced office inspections at ethylene purchasing companies in several EU member states. There were concerns that the companies may have violated EU antitrust laws that prohibit cartels and restrictive business practices. Commission officials were accompanied by the relevant national competition authorities for the inspections. The Commission stressed that unannounced inspections are a preliminary step before the initiation of any further procedures. However, they are in no way evidence of anti-competitive behaviour.