Manufacturer of cable bedding compounds fined for price-fixing
24.06.2010
The Bundeskartellamt has imposed fines totaling € 400,000 on a manufacturer of cable bedding compounds and two employees responsible.
According to the Bundeskartellamt’s findings, between 2005 and 2008 representatives of the companies Condor Compounds GmbH, Braunschweig, and Melos GmbH, Melle coordinated their price increases for so-called standard cable bedding compounds. The proceedings were initiated on the basis of a leniency application filed by Melos GmbH; consequently, this company was not fined.
Standard cable bedding compounds consist essentially of a rubber compound and are used in low-voltage installation cables to protect a cable loom from damage.
The agreement began with a meeting in September 2004, at which representatives of the two above-mentioned companies decided to coordinate their prices increases for standard cable bedding compounds with effect from the beginning of 2005. This was followed by regular talks between representatives of the companies named. The cartel agreement was ended in November 2008.
In calculating the fines, the Bundeskartellamt took account of the fact that only a comparatively low volume of turnover was affected by the price agreement.
The orders imposing the fines are not yet final. However, both the company and the employees concerned have agreed to have the proceedings terminated by way of a settlement. 