| Author (Corporate) | European Commission: DG Competition |
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| Publication Date | 21/03/2018 |
| Content Type | News |
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Further information: The Commission showed initial concerns that, from at least 1997 to 2014, ten Asian manufacturers of electrolytic capacitors met in a range of multilateral meetings in Japan to discuss future market trends, prices and specific customer information. The investigation started in March 2014 with investigative measures by several competition authorities around the world. The Commission's investigation found that from 1998 to 2012, nine Japanese companies participated in multilateral meetings and engaged in bilateral or trilateral contacts to exchange commercially sensitive information. The objective was to coordinate future behaviour and avoid price competition. In particular, the companies exchanged information on future prices and pricing intentions, and on future supply and demand information. In some instances, the participants also concluded price agreements and monitored their implementation. The European Commission decided to fine fined Elna, Hitachi Chemical, Holy Stone, Matsuo, NEC Tokin, Nichicon, Nippon Chemi-Con, Rubycon €253,935,000. Background information:: Electrolytic capacitors are used to store electrical energy, for example to smooth the output of power supplies and to activate camera flashes. They are used in virtually all electronic products, from televisions to games consoles and mobile phones. The European Commission sent on 4 November 2015 a Statement of Objections to ten manufacturers of electrolytic capacity due to suspicion of the existence of a cartel. Following several letter of facts and an oral hearing in September 2016, the European Commission decided on 21 March 2018 to fine eight of those producers. |
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| Source Link | http://ec.europa.eu/competition/elojade/isef/case_details.cfm?proc_code=1_40136 |
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| Subject Categories | Business and Industry, Internal Markets |
| Countries / Regions | Europe |
