Cartel dawn raid on manufacturers of power transformers
DG Competition notice that it has conducted unannounced inspections at the premises of manufacturers of power transformers in connection with a cartel inquiry.
The standard-form press notice states that "there is no strict deadline to complete cartel inquiries". In previous similar cases, there was a delay of more than two years from dawn raids to decision, and potentially another two years in court if the parties challenge a finding of infringement.
As with gas insulated switchgear, if there was a cartel then any follow-on claims for damages by price-controlled electricity utilities would raise an interesting twist on the passing-on defence.
For further information or advice please contact Franck Latrémolière.
Filed under Article 81, DG Competition, Electricity.
