FED: Record fine requested for anti competitive behaviour

AAP General News (Australia)
12-05-2000
FED: Record fine requested for anti competitive behaviour

A Federal Court judge has been asked to impose a record $26 million fine for anti-competitive
conduct by three Australian animal vitamin companies.

JEFFREY HILTON, SC, for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission says the
companies have admitted to being involved in anti-competitive arrangements relating to
market sharing and price fixing.

Mr HILTON says the ACCC and the companies have agreed to recommend the penalties be
$15 million for Roche Vitamins Australia, $7.5 million for BASF Australia and $3.5 million
for Aventis Animal Nutrition.

The arrangements relate to supplying vitamin A and vitamin E, and pre-mixers of the
vitamins to animal feed customers.

Mr HILTON says the ACCC action follows significant anti-trust proceedings in the United
States and Canada where the three companies' foreign parents were found to have violated
the laws.

AAP RTV mss/sb/klw/jn

KEYWORD: VITAMINS (SYDNEY)

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