Belgium’s competition authority found 18 companies guilty of fixing the prices of personal care products between 2002 and 2007, handing out fines of a total of 174 million euros.
The highest fines were given to French retailer Carrefour , of 36.4 million euros, Belgian peer Colruyt 31.6 million euros as well as consumer goods maker Procter & Gamble, of 29.1 million euros. Belgian retailer Delhaize was fined 24.9 million euros.
The competition watchdog said the companies coordinated price increases for drugstore, perfumery and hygiene products between 2002 and 2007.
Colgate-Palmolive was not fined because it alerted authorities to the cartel. All 17 other companies did receive fines.
Full content: Reuters
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